President Joe Biden on Monday signed into law a defense bill that authorizes significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members, aims to counter China 's growing power and boosts overall military spending to $895 billion despite his objections to language stripping coverage of transgender medical treatments for children in military families. Biden said his administration strongly opposes the provision because it targets a group based on gender identity and "interferes with parents’ roles to determine the best care for their children.” He said it also undermines the all-volunteer military's ability to recruit and retain talent. > Watch NBC Bay Area News 📺 Streaming free 24/7 “No service member should have to decide between their family’s health care access and their call to serve our nation,” the president said in a statement. The Senate forwarded the bill to Biden after passing it last week by a vote of 85-14. In the House, a majority of Democrats voted against the bill after House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted on adding the provision to ban transgender medical care for children. The legislation easily passed by a vote of 281-140. Biden also objected to other language in the bill prohibiting the use of money earmarked to transfer detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba , to some foreign countries and into the United States. He urged Congress to lift those restrictions. The annual defense authorization bill, which directs Pentagon policy, provides a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others. The legislation also directs resources towards a more confrontational approach to China, including establishing a fund that could be used to send military resources to Taiwan in much the same way that the U.S. has backed Ukraine. It also invests in new military technologies, including artificial intelligence, and bolsters the U.S. production of ammunition. The U.S. has also moved in recent years to ban the military from purchasing Chinese products, and the defense bill extended that with prohibitions on Chinese goods from garlic in military commissaries to drone technology. The legislation still must be backed up with a spending package. __ Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.With the clock ticking on the current Congress, there are new doubts over the prospects for a bill that would shield journalists from being compelled by the federal government to reveal their sources and materials. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) objected to efforts to speedily pass the bill, arguing that it was a “threat to national security” and was “the biggest giveaway to the liberal press in American history.” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), the author of the Senate version of the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act, or Press Act , had sought unanimous consent on the floor today to clear the bill. That is a legislative maneuver to pass legislation without a roll call, unless a lawmaker objects. The Press Act passed the House in a unanimous vote earlier this year. Wyden indicated that he would continue to talk to Cotton to try to resolve his concerns. The bill “protects from disclosure any information identifying a source, as well as any records, contents of a communication, documents, or information obtained or created by journalists in the course of their work.” The bill also bars government from demanding record that third parties — like telecommunications and social media companies — hand over records that would reveal journalists’ contacts. The exceptions to the journalists’ protection are when such information is needed to prevent terrorism or imminent violence. Although the Press Act has bipartisan sponsors and support, President-elect Donald Trump weighed in against it last month, writing on Truth Social , “REPUBLICANS MUST KILL THIS BILL!” Cotton argued that the PRESS Act would turn journalists into “a protected class, free to hold, share and publish highly classified and dangerous information that no other American is allowed to possess.” The Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press has said that the bill “is a reasonable, common-sense measure to preserve the free flow of information to the public, as evidenced by its broad bipartisan support and the fact that 49 states and the District of Columbia have similar protections. All reflect the reality that the press cannot fulfill its constitutionally recognized watchdog role without some safeguard for confidential source identities and sensitive newsgathering material. Congress must step in to provide a durable shield at the federal level.” Backers of the bill also said that it would be an important protection for reporters on the right as well as the left, given the prevalence of conservative media outlets that engage in aggressive investigative reporting. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that the “the press keeps governments accountable to the people, exposes abuse and informs people about what’s happening in government. But if government can unduly harass the press, or when leaders smear journalists as enemies of the people and when there are too few protections for journalists, our democracy is at the very real risk of eroding away.” He said that the bill was “more important now than ever before when we’ve heard some in the previous administration talk about going after the press in one way or another.”Drexel defeats Howard 68-65
India opposition leader demands tycoon Adani’s arrest after US charges
Is our language going down the toilet? My word!Drexel defeats Howard 68-65
Man City blows 3-goal lead and gets booed by fans in draw with Feyenoord in Champions League
RCMP union applauds planned federal spending on border securityMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes are not in their hands, but they did their part with a gritty win over San Francisco on Sunday. Coach Mike McDaniel knows that’s not enough, and his team will need to do it two more times to even have a shot at making the postseason for the third straight year. “I was just proud of this effort and proud of the guys’ effort in general,” McDaniel said. “And that gives you a chance to win December football. Regardless, unless you’re playing in February, you also have to get adept at experiencing that, going through that, having some momentum and then going back and applying it to the next opponent, because no one cares about one win in December or January realistically. It’s about accumulating those.” Miami (7-8) is on the bubble for a wild-card spot along with Indianapolis (7-8) and Cincinnati (7-8). Even if the Dolphins win their remaining two games, they’ll need help from other teams to get in. In one scenario, Miami would make the playoffs with two wins and two losses each by Denver (9-6) and the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6). “This team, we know when we do it well, we can do it very well,” defensive tackle Calais Campbell said. “We know that our chances are slim, but there’s a lot of fight left. And if we have a chance, we’re going to fight for it.” RELATED COVERAGE The Darnold-Jefferson connection is thriving for the surging Vikings Patriots coach Jerod Mayo believes narrow loss to Bills shows potential of his young team Garrett’s comments about his future add wrinkle to Browns’ worst season since 0-16 in 2017 Miami closed out Sunday’s game with a strong fourth quarter in all three phases. The offense converted on all three of its third-down attempts. Running back De’Von Achane had 93 of his 190 scrimmage yards in the quarter, including a 50-yard rushing score that put the game out of reach. Jason Sanders nailed a 48-yard field goal just before the two-minute warning. And the defense intercepted Brock Purdy on one of the Niners’ last-ditch efforts. “I think that was something that we needed to see as a team together,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. “You could see in all three phases that we were able to play the complementary football that we said we wanted to play. The defense giving the offense opportunities to go put points on the board. Then when there were times where we didn’t do what we wanted to do offensively, the defense held.” With both of the Dolphins’ final games on the road, they’ll need to play better than they have in away games for much of the season. Miami is 5-3 at home, its fifth straight home winning record, but the Dolphins are 2-5 on the road. McDaniel expressed confidence that those home efforts can travel in this final stretch. “When you’re trying to play football so that in the inevitable situation that you face every season,” McDaniel said, “an elimination game, whether it’s to get in the playoffs or it’s in the playoffs, you want to be tooled with a team that can succeed or execute in those types of situations.” What’s working Miami’s run game finally got going with 166 yards. It was the Dolphins’ first time topping 100 yards rushing since Week 9. Achane led the charge with 120 yards. His 50-yard rushing score was Miami’s longest run this season. What needs help The Dolphins moved the ball well but scored touchdowns on just one of three trips to the red zone. Stock up Sanders. He was 5 for 5 on field goals with a long of 54 yards, and 2 for 2 on extra points. Sanders has made 23 consecutive field goals and is 11 of 13 on kicks of 50-plus yards. He’s one of two kickers, alongside Dallas’ Brandon Aubrey, who have made a field goal in every game this season. Stock down WR Tyreek Hill. The All-Pro receiver caught just 3 of 7 targets for 29 yards and a touchdown. He had a third-down drop on the Dolphins’ opening drive and dropped a potential touchdown later in the game. The NFL’s receiving leader last year is averaging just 55.6 yards per game and has only two 100-plus yard receiving games this season. Injuries WR Jaylen Waddle missed the game because of a knee injury. ... CB Kendall Fuller (knee) and LB Jordyn Brookes (quad/knee) both went down late in the second half. Key numbers 76 receptions, 802 yards — Both single-season Dolphins records for a tight end, which Jonnu Smith broke with six catches for 62 yards on Sunday. Next step The Dolphins will continue their efforts to sneak into the playoffs when they play at Cleveland (3-12) on Sunday. They’ll need to beat the Browns and the New York Jets (4-11) in their regular-season finale to give themselves a chance. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is taking some time to reflect after Chrystia Freeland's bombshell resignation, the natural resources minister said on Tuesday. "The prime minister, as I understand it, a number of caucus colleagues have said that the prime minister has said that he will reflect on both the decision that minister Freeland made, but also what he's heard from members of his own caucus," Jonathan Wilkinson said. "I think we all need to give him a little time to reflect, and I respect that fact that he's going to take some time to reflect." Freeland quit as finance minister on Monday morning just hours before she was set to present the government's fall economic statement. That kicked off a day of turmoil on Parliament Hill that began with a morning cabinet meeting and wrapped with an evening meeting of the Liberal caucus, where some members called for Trudeau to step aside as party leader. That includes New Brunswick MP Wayne Long, one of 23 caucus members who signed a letter back in October calling for Trudeau to quit. "We certainly have more MPs than last time. So, if I had to guess how many more right now, I'd say we're probably at 40 to 50 right now," Long said. "But there's a lot more than that. I mean, this is so different than times before." The attempt to oust Trudeau earlier in the fall took up a great deal of oxygen on Parliament Hill, but ultimately failed to garner support from inside the cabinet. This time, Long said, at least five cabinet ministers believe it's time for a change at the top. "I certainly am one to say to my colleagues, to ministers in particular: 'Let's come out of the shadows,'" Long said. "Let's openly, once and for all, state how we feel and let's move forward with what we know has to happen." After the failed coup in October, Liberal MPs told reporters they believed Trudeau was taking time to reflect. But the very next day, he publicly stated his intention to stay on as leader at a press conference. The Liberals have faced three non-confidence votes in the House of Commons this fall and have struggled to advance legislation because of a filibuster on a Conservative privilege motion related to misspending at a now-defunct green technology fund. On Tuesday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre once again called on NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh to topple the government, criticizing him for voting against the latest non-confidence motion last week. Poilievre said Canada needs a new prime minister because U.S. president-elect Donald Trump can smell weakness from a mile away and the Trudeau government is weak. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet also said a new Parliament is needed "as soon as possible," and he wants to see an election called in January. Blanchet said Trudeau has lost the political, moral and ethical authority to govern. He said the election should happen as soon as possible in the new year because Canadians do not want a campaign over the holiday season. On Monday, Singh called for Trudeau to step down but did not make a firm comment on whether the NDP would declare non-confidence in the Liberal government. Instead, Singh said "all options are on the table." The NDP, which ended a formal supply-and-confidence agreement to support the Liberals in September, has since voted with the government on all three non-confidence motions. Singh has repeatedly said a Poilievre-led Conservative government would cut things New Democrats have fought for like dental care, pharmacare and other social programs. The Tories are also calling on the House of Commons trade committee to study the tariff threat between the week of Jan. 6 and Jan. 20, the date of Trump's inauguration. The House of Commons is expected to rise for the holiday break on Tuesday and return on January 27. In her resignation letter, Freeland said she's been at odds with Trudeau in the last few weeks over the government's fiscal priorities. She said the government should do away with costly "political gimmicks" and instead set money aside to deal with a potential tariff war with the U.S. Dominic LeBlanc was sworn in as the new finance minister Monday, minutes after the government's fall economic statement was released. The economic update shows the deficit has grown to nearly $62 billion, far beyond the $40-billion target Freeland set earlier this year. It includes $1.3 billion in new spending on measures to beef up the border in response to Trump's threat to impose 25 per cent tariff threats on Canadian goods. LeBlanc, who is also in charge of intergovernmental affairs and democratic institutions, says his main priority as finance minister will be to address affordability issues. He will also continue to oversee the public safety file, implementing new border measures, until Trudeau holds a broader cabinet shuffle. That's expected to happen soon in order to replace ministers who have announced they won't seek re-election. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024. — With files from Nick Murray and Michel Saba David Baxter, The Canadian PressMan City blows 3-goal lead and gets booed by fans in draw with Feyenoord in Champions League
‘Only took 15 transmissions and 8 motors’: Driver’s Jeep hits 1 million miles. Uh, how?
Police became convinced they were investigating a crime in the disappearance of University of Mississippi student when they interviewed the man now on trial in his death, a top officer testified Tuesday. Lee had been missing for two weeks when officers arrested on July 22, 2022, said Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen. Authorities interviewed Herington twice that day, and he gave conflicting information about the hours before Lee vanished, the chief said. “From the moment that we gave Tim Herrington the opportunity to tell the truth and he couldn’t and he lied and we backed that up, we knew then,” McCutchen said. Herrington, 24, is being tried on a capital murder charge in the death of Lee, 20, a gay man who was well known in the LGBTQ+ community at Ole Miss and in Oxford. in Oxford, where is in its second week. Prosecutors and the defense both called their final witnesses Tuesday, and did not testify. Closing arguments are set for Wednesday. Lee’s body has never been found, but a judge has declared him dead. Herrington maintains his innocence and his attorney, Kevin Horan, told jurors last week that prosecutors have “zero” proof Lee was killed. Lee has not contacted friends or family, and his financial transactions and once-prolific social media posts have stopped since the day he went missing, investigators testified. Before officers interviewed Herrington, they had already obtained sexually explicit text messages exchanged between social media accounts belonging to Herrington and Lee in the early hours of July 8, 2022, when Herrington disappeared in Oxford, McCutchen said. Lee communicated with his mother daily, and sent his last message to her hours before he vanished to wish her happy birthday, according to earlier testimony. Google records obtained through a warrant showed that Herrington searched “how long does it take to strangle someone” at 5:56 a.m., University Police Department Sgt. Benjamin Douglas testified last week. The final text message from Lee’s phone was sent to a social media account belonging to Herrington at 6:03 a.m. from a spot near Herrington’s apartment, and cellphone tower in another part of Oxford last located any signal from Lee’s phone at 7:28 a.m., McCutchen said Tuesday. A security camera showed Herrington jogging at about 7:30 a.m. out of a parking lot where Lee’s car was abandoned, investigators testified earlier. “We’ve been looking for Jay Lee’s body for two years, and we’re not going to stop ’til we find it,” McCutchen said in court Tuesday. On the day Lee vanished, Herrington was also seen on security cameras buying duct tape in Oxford and driving to his own hometown of about an hour away, police have testified. Herrington is from an affluent family in Grenada, Mississippi, about 52 miles (83.7 kilometers) southwest of Oxford, testified Ryan Baker, an Oxford Police Department intelligence officer who was a detective when he helped investigated the case. Herrington’s grandfather is bishop of a church in Grenada, other family members work at the church and Herrington himself taught youth Sunday school classes there, Baker said. Herrington “was not portraying himself as gay” to family or friends, Baker said. During testimony Tuesday, Herrington’s father and grandfather both said Herrington had never spoken about having boyfriends. Herrington operated a furniture moving business with another man while they were students at the University of Mississippi, and they had a white box truck that Herrington drove to Grenada, Baker said. Security cameras at several businesses and a neighbor’s house showed Herrington and the truck in Grenada hours after Lee disappeared, Baker said. During McCutchen’s testimony Tuesday, Horan asked whether DNA tests on items taken from Herrington’s apartment and the truck showed “any trace evidence at all implicating my client.” McCutchen said they did not, but police first searched Herrington’s apartment two weeks after Lee vanished and they searched the box truck a few days after the apartment. Both Herrington and Lee had graduated from the University of Mississippi. Lee was pursuing a master’s degree. He was known for his creative expression through fashion and makeup and often performed in drag shows in Oxford, according to a support group called Justice for Jay Lee. Prosecutors have announced they do not intend to pursue the death penalty, meaning Herrington could get a life sentence if convicted. Mississippi law defines capital murder as a killing committed along with another felony — in this case, kidnapping. Emily Wagster Pettus, The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) today thanked Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for delivering the Tuesday keynote address at SIA's DoD Commercial SATCOM Workshop being held in Arlington, VA. Chairwoman Rosenworcel spoke before a gathering of U.S. Government and Military leaders, and Satellite Industry Executives as SIA celebrated the 20 th anniversary of its premiere workshop event. During the address, the Chairwoman shared her perspective about the future of the space economy and highlighted the FCC's Space Bureau accomplishments. During her tenure as Chairwoman, the FCC created the Space Bureau and has worked diligently to advance the Commission's Space Innovation Agenda to help ensure America's continued leadership in the commercial space industry. "As we celebrate the 20 th anniversary of our Workshop, on behalf of SIA and its members, I would like to thank Chairwoman Rosenworcel for delivering today's keynote address,” said Tom Stroup, president of the Satellite Industry Association. "As leader of the FCC, the Commission has continuously recognized the unprecedented growth of the commercial space industry and the increasing importance of critical services provided by satellites. "In addition to creating the Space Bureau, Chairwoman Rosenworcel recruited a first-class team to lead the Commission's initiatives to foster and keep pace with technological innovations driving the growth across our industry. Under her leadership, the Commission adopted reforms to streamline satellite licensing, introduced spectrum bands for space launches, revised the spectrum sharing rules for NGSO satellite operators, and developed policies for in-orbit activities and space sustainability. Earlier this year, the U.S. became the first country to adopt a framework for supplemental coverage of service from space. SIA and its members look forward to continuing to work with the Commission and its leadership to further ensure America's continued role as the long-term global leader in space innovation and satellite technology” To view a copy of FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel's written remarks, please click on the following link. https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairwoman-rosenworcel-capstone-speech-space-bureau-accomplishments The 20th Annual DoD Commercial SATCOM Workshop, co-hosted by the Satellite Industry Association and the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM*), is being held on December 16th-18 t h in Arlington, VA. The Workshop is one of the Association's premier annual events and this year it features more than 50 speakers from the U.S. Government and the commercial satellite industry. For two decades, the Workshop has brought together U.S. Government and military leaders and decision-makers with the commercial satellite industry. For more information regarding the Workshop, please visit the Workshop website at www.dodsatcom.com . * Note: U.S. Space Command co-sponsorship of this event does not constitute federal endorsement of SIA or any other sponsors of this workshop. About The Satellite Industry Association SIA is a U.S.-based trade association providing representation of the leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers, and ground equipment suppliers. For more than two decades, SIA has advocated on behalf of the U.S. satellite industry on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues affecting the satellite business. For more information, visit www.sia.org . SIA Executive Members include: Amazon; Comtech; DIRECTV; EchoStar Corporation; Eutelsat Group; HawkEye 360; Intelsat S.A.; Iridium Communications Inc.; Kratos Defense & Security Solutions; Ligado Networks; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Northrop Grumman; Planet Labs PBC; SES Americom, Inc.; Spire Global Inc.; and Viasat Inc. SIA Associate Members include: ABS US Corp.; The Aerospace Corporation; Artel, LLC; AST Space Mobile; Astranis Space Technologies Corp.; The Boeing Company; Eutelsat America Corp + OneWeb Technologies; ExoAnalytic Solutions; Inmarsat, Inc.; Kinematics; Kymeta Corporation; Lynk; Omnispace; Ovzon; Panasonic Avionics Corporation; Skyloom; Telesat and ULA. SIA Affiliate Members include: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld LLP; AvL Technologies; COMSAT; Digital Locations, Inc.; DLA Piper; Globalstar; Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn); Hogan Lovells; Integrasys LLC; Keysight Technologies, Inc.; Media Broadcast Satellite; Orbital Research; Peraton; Plexus Corp; Quadsat; Sheppard Mullin; Wiley; Xairos Systems Inc., and XTAR, LLC. SIA Media Contact: Dean Hirasawa Endeavour Communications [email protected]
Round-the-clock aerial surveillance, drug detection fuel beefed-up border plan
Their interviews for the film, which have seen them being emotional towards one another and holding hands, have gone viral on social media. Wicked star Ariana Grande has said she and Cynthia Erivo were “insufferable” and “horrible” in the build-up to the film’s release. Grande, 31, also said her co-star was a “brilliant gift of a human being” while being interviewed by Gladiator star Paul Mescal for US news outlet Variety. Mescal told the singer and actor: “I’m watching you guys in the press tour. You’re obviously in love with each other.” To which she replied: “Insufferable. Yes. We’re horrible. It’s bad.” The 7 Rings singer plays Glinda, while her 37-year-old co-star plays Elphaba, in the film which is an adaption of the musical stage show of the same name and is set in The Land Of Oz before the events of The Wizard Of Oz. Their interviews for the film, which have seen the two being emotional towards one another and holding hands, have gone viral on social media. Speaking about Erivo, Grande said: “Cynthia is just an absolute brilliant gift of a human being. I think we tried to keep the pressure out of the room, obviously, as much as possible.” She also said she had not had any read throughs with her co-star before joining the cast. Grande said: “We never chemistry read together, it was three rounds for me, and I read with two different actresses. “I stayed for three and a half hours the final day, and I had cried so much. “We did Popular, Defying Gravity, (and) For Good (songs from the film), and I left my lashes on the mirror, because I left everything else in the room.” The film follows Elphaba, who is misunderstood because of her green skin, as she forges an unlikely friendship with Glinda, a student with a desire for popularity. Bullying of the green-skinned witch saw the movie, which also stars Peter Dinklage, Jeff Goldblum and Jonathan Bailey, given a PG rating by the British Board Of Film Classification (BBFC) for “discrimination”.WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee's long-awaited report on Matt Gaetz documents a trove of salacious allegations , including sex with an underage girl, that tanked the Florida Republican's bid to lead the Justice Department . Citing text messages, travel receipts, online payments and testimony, the bipartisan committee paints a picture of a lifestyle in which Gaetz and others connected with younger women for drug-fueled parties, events or trips, with the expectation the women would be paid for their participation. The former congressman, who filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to block the report's release on Monday, slammed the committee's findings. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he never had sex with a minor. And a Justice Department investigation into the allegations ended without any criminal charges filed against him. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” Gaetz wrote in one post on Monday. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Here's a look at some of the committee's key findings: ‘Sex-for-money arrangements,' drug-fueled parties and trips The committee found that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women "likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use.” He paid the women using through online services such as PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp and with cash or check, the committee said. The committee said it found evidence that Gaetz understood the “transactional nature” of his relationships with the women. The report points to one text exchange in which Gaetz balked at a woman’s request that he send her money, “claiming she only gave him a ‘drive by.’” Women interviewed by the committee said there was a “general expectation of sex,” the report said. One woman who received more than $5,000 from Gaetz between 2018 and 2019 said that “99 percent of the time” that when she hung out with Gaetz “there was sex involved.” However, Gaetz was in a long-term relationship with one of the women he paid, so “some of the payments may have been of a legitimate nature," the committee said. Text messages obtained by the committee also show that Gaetz would ask the women to bring drugs to their “rendezvous,” the report said. While most of his encounters with the women were in Florida, the committee said Gaetz also traveled “on several occasions” with women whom he paid for sex. The report includes text message exchanges in which Gaetz appears to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2021, initially connected with women through an online service. In one text with a 20-year-old woman, Greenberg suggested if she has a friend, the four of them could meet up. The woman responded that she usually does “$400 per meet.” Greenberg replied: “He understands the deal,” along with a smiley face emoji. Greenberg asks if they are old enough to drink alcohol, and sent the woman a picture of Gaetz. The woman responded that her friend found him “really cute.” “Well, he's down here for only for the day, we work hard and play hard," Greenberg replied. ‘Substantial evidence’ indicates that Gaetz had sex with underage girl, the committee said The report details a party in July 2017 in which Gaetz is accused of having sex with “multiple women, including the 17-year-old, for which they were paid.” The committee pointed to “credible testimony” from the now-woman herself as well as “multiple individuals" who corroborated the allegation. The then-17-year-old — who had just completed her junior year in high school — told the committee that Gaetz paid her $400 in cash that night, “which she understood to be payment for sex,” according to the report. The woman acknowledged that she had taken ecstasy the night of the party, but told the committee that she was “certain” of her sexual encounters with the then-congressman. There's no evidence that Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her, the committee said. The woman told the committee she didn't tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and that he didn't how old she was. Rather, the committee said Gaetz learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But he stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for “commercial sex” again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. Gaetz said evidence would ‘exonerate’ him but provided none of it In sum, the committee said it authorized 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents and contacted more than two dozen witnesses. But when the committee subpoenaed Gaetz for his testimony, he failed to comply. "Gaetz pointed to evidence that would ‘exonerate’ him yet failed to produce any such materials," the committee said. Gaetz “continuously sought to deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee in order to prevent his actions from being exposed.” The report details a months-long process that dragged into a year as it sought information from Gaetz that he decried as “nosey” and a “weaponization” of government against him. In one notable exchange, investigators were seeking information about the expenses for a 2018 get-away with multiple women to the Bahamas. Gaetz ultimately offered up his plane ticket receipt “to” the destination, but declined to share his return “from” the Bahamas. The report said his return on a private plane and other expenses paid by an associate were in violation of House gift rules. In another Gaetz told the committee he would “welcome” the opportunity to respond to written questions. Yet, after it sent a list of 16 questions, Gaetz said publicly he would “no longer” voluntarily cooperate. He called the investigation “frivolous,” adding: “Every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration.” The report said that while Gaetz’s obstruction of the investigation does not rise to a criminal violation it is inconsistent with the requirement that all members of Congress “act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House.” Justice Department didn't cooperate with the committee The committee began its review of Gaetz in April 2021 and deferred its work in response to a Justice Department request. It renewed its work shortly after Gaetz announced that the Justice Department had ended a sex trafficking investigation without filing any charges against him. The committee sought records from the Justice Department about the probe, but the agency refused, saying it doesn’t disclose information about investigations that don’t result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the Justice Department, but after a back-and-forth between officials and the committee, the department handed over “publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual,” according to the report. “To date, DOJ has provided no meaningful evidence or information to the Committee or cited any lawful basis for its responses,” the committee said. Many of the women who the committee spoke to had already given statements to the Justice Department and didn't want to “relive their experience,” the committee said. “They were particularly concerned with providing additional testimony about a sitting congressman in light of DOJ’s lack of action on their prior testimony,” the report said. The Justice Department, however, never handed over the women's statements. The agency's lack of cooperation — along with its request that the committee pause its investigation — significantly delayed the committee's probe, lawmakers said. Lisa Mascaro And Alanna Durkin Richer, The Associated PressStarting a dog breeding business is a venture with potential yet entails considerable responsibility. There is a clear demand for well-bred dogs, which can provide a steady source of income for breeders dedicated to maintaining high standards. Whether or not it’s a good investment depends heavily on the breeder’s commitment to ethical practices and the wellbeing of the dogs. The reputation of a dog breeding business significantly influences its success. Prospective owners are often willing to invest in breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and lineage. Breeders must navigate various challenges, including breeding expenses, healthcare for dogs, and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Entering the dog breeding industry requires substantial research and preparation. Enthusiasm for dogs isn’t enough; breeding involves considerable time, effort, and resources. Success is possible for those who are truly passionate about dogs and have a thorough understanding of breeding intricacies. The dog breeding industry presents several opportunities and challenges. Factors such as market demand, potential returns, and comparison with other pet-related sectors are crucial when evaluating this business. The demand for dogs, especially purebred and designer breeds, has been growing. Urbanization and increased pet adoption rates have contributed significantly. Trends to note include: Potential breeders should investigate breed popularity and adapt to changes in consumer preferences. Dog breeding can be lucrative, but it requires careful management. Initial costs include facility setup , veterinary care , and breeding stock acquisition . Returns can vary significantly depending on breed and market conditions. Compared to other pet sectors, dog breeding involves more hands-on management and risk . Breeding demands commitment and expertise , making it distinct from other pet activities. Each sector has unique investment profiles and risk levels. Starting a dog breeding business requires defining profitable breeds and niches, crafting a solid business plan, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. Identifying the right breeds is crucial for achieving success in a dog breeding business. Breeders must research market demand to identify popular breeds. For example, consider hypoallergenic breeds for allergy-sensitive families or toy breeds for urban dwellers. Additionally, breeders should analyze trends and preferences in the pet industry. Niche markets , such as service dogs for therapeutic purposes or specific breeds for competition, offer unique opportunities. Understanding local demographics and economic conditions can further refine breed selection, ensuring alignment with regional preferences. A comprehensive business plan serves as the roadmap for a dog breeding venture. Essential components include a detailed budget, projected costs for facilities, healthcare, food, and marketing. Additionally, breeders should outline revenue streams, such as puppy sales and stud services. Market analysis can provide insights into potential competition, pricing strategies, and customer segmentation. An effective business plan should also address risk management, including contingency plans for health crises or market fluctuations. Long-term planning , incorporating growth and scalability, helps ensure sustained success. Dog breeding involves navigating a complex landscape of regulations. Compliance with local, state, and federal laws is essential to operate legally and ethically. Breeders must obtain necessary licenses and permits, such as kennel licenses, and adhere to zoning laws. Animal welfare regulations are also crucial. Standards for housing, veterinary care, and breeding practices must be met to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs. Record keeping for vaccinations, pedigrees, and breeding cycles is often mandatory. Staying informed about ongoing legislative changes is vital for maintaining compliance and protecting the business. Starting a dog breeding business requires careful financial planning, including analyzing initial investments, understanding operational costs, and projecting potential revenue. Launching a dog breeding business involves several upfront expenses. Key investments include purchasing high-quality breeding dogs, which can range from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on breed and pedigree. Facility setup is crucial, requiring secure kennels, fencing, and climate control systems. These can cost between $3,000 and $15,000 . Furthermore, initial veterinary expenses cover health checks and vaccinations, approximately $500 to $1,000 . Marketing and branding costs, crucial for establishing a reputable presence, might require an additional $500 to $2,000 . Regular expenses include food, grooming, and veterinary care. Quality dog food costs around $30 to $100 monthly per dog. Routine medical expenses can average $300 annually , covering vaccinations and check-ups. Breeders might also face costs for registrations and certifications, around $200 annually . Staff wages, if employing helpers for maintenance and care, depend on location and labor laws. Additionally, utilities and maintenance for the facilities can add $500 to $1,000 monthly. Revenue depends significantly on breed popularity and litter size. High-demand breeds can sell puppies for $500 to $3,000 each. With an average litter size of four to eight puppies, each breeding cycle holds substantial income potential. A successful breeder might plan for two to three litters per year, ensuring sufficient spacing for health. Additional services, such as training and grooming, can offer supplementary income. Estimating realistic sales targets and pricing strategies is essential for forecasting annual revenue effectively. The dog breeding process involves vital considerations like adhering to ethical standards and ensuring the health and genetic quality of the dogs. Responsible breeders focus on maintaining high standards to promote the welfare and lineage of their dogs. Ethical breeding standards are fundamental to a reputable breeding business. Breeders must prioritize animal welfare, choosing breeding pairs that exemplify desirable traits and good health. Breeders should ensure that breeds are not overbred. This involves maintaining a responsible mating schedule that respects the dogs’ physical and emotional needs. Participating in breed-specific organizations can help keep breeders informed about best practices. These organizations often provide guidelines to maintain breed standards and contribute positively to the genetic pool. Ensuring the health of breeding dogs requires regular veterinary check-ups and health screenings. Genetic testing is crucial to identify and avoid hereditary diseases that may affect the breed’s future generations. Breeders should maintain detailed records for each dog. These documents should include health history, genetic screenings, and any previous medical conditions to make informed decisions about pairing. Responsible breeding also involves understanding potential genetic issues. It is essential to avoid inbreeding, which can exacerbate health problems and compromise the overall genetic diversity of the breed. Creating a successful dog breeding business requires careful planning of facility and space. A well-thought-out design and layout, along with strategic location choices, are key components. A well-designed facility accommodates the specific needs of different dog breeds. Kennel sizes should reflect the breed’s size and activity level. Efficient use of space is essential. A layout with designated areas for exercise, grooming, and veterinary care enhances the well-being of the dogs. Proper ventilation and lighting promote a healthy environment. Temperature control systems maintain comfortable conditions year-round. Incorporating easy-to-clean materials reduces contamination risks. A well-structured layout optimizes operations while ensuring animal welfare, which is critical for any breeding business. Adapting designs to local climate conditions can also improve comfort and health. Selecting an appropriate location for a dog breeding facility involves understanding local zoning regulations and community standards . Compliance with these rules is essential to avoid legal issues. Proximity to veterinary services and pet supply stores can offer operational advantages. Consider the noise levels in the area, as barking dogs could be disruptive to neighbors. Rural or semi-rural locations can often provide ample space and fewer noise concerns. Accessibility for clients and staff, as well as security measures, are also important factors. Additional research into local real estate market conditions can help identify a suitable and cost-effective location. Prioritizing these considerations ensures a successful breeding facility establishment. In the dog breeding business, maintaining consistent health standards and forging strong relationships with veterinarians are crucial elements. Establishing comprehensive healthcare plans ensures the well-being of dogs and supports the business’s overall success. A well-structured healthcare plan is integral to any dog breeding operation. Routine care typically includes vaccinations, deworming, and regular check-ups. Vaccinations protect against common diseases like rabies and distemper, while regular vet visits monitor overall health. Emergency care provisions are essential. Breeders should have a plan for unexpected medical issues, including access to emergency veterinary services. This can minimize risks and ensure prompt attention should an urgent health issue arise. You may find yourself needing emergency care if you’ve been injured from a dog bite . A budget dedicated to unforeseen veterinary expenses is also recommended to avoid financial strain. Strong partnerships with veterinary services offer several benefits to dog breeders. These relationships can provide preferential service , including priority scheduling for sick animals and discounted rates on certain services or medications. Close collaboration with vets allows for better health management of breeding dogs, ensuring timely interventions if health issues arise. Veterinarians can offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, and breeding practices, enhancing the overall quality of care. Additionally, breeders may receive updates on advancements in animal healthcare, keeping them informed of the latest treatment options and practices. Engaging with a trusted veterinarian helps breeders maintain ethical standards and ensures their breeding program prioritizes the health and well-being of the animals. This relationship not only safeguards the dogs but also enhances the breeder’s reputation in the industry. Effective marketing is essential for a successful dog breeding business. It involves building a solid brand, optimizing online presence, and maintaining strong customer relations. Branding embodies the identity of a breeding business. It includes the business name, logo, and values. A unique name and professional logo foster recognition. Consistency across promotional materials is essential for building trust. Creating a story around the brand adds depth and draws emotional engagement. Sharing the founder’s journey, the breeds’ qualities, and the vision can resonate well with the audience. Engaging narratives make the brand memorable. Participation in dog shows and community events can strengthen brand awareness. Distributing branded materials like brochures and business cards during these events boosts visibility and establishes credibility. An online presence is crucial in reaching a broader audience. A well-designed website with clear information on available puppies, breeding practices, and contact details is a starting point. It should be mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook offer opportunities to showcase dogs and breeding facilities. Regular updates and engaging content, such as photos, videos, and stories, can attract potential customers. Search engine optimization (SEO) increases visibility in search engine results. Leveraging keywords related to dog breeds and breeding can attract traffic. Utilizing online ads can also enhance the reach to targeted demographics. Building strong relationships with customers fosters loyalty and encourages referrals. Transparency about breeding practices and puppy care is vital. Providing ample information and promptly responding to inquiries demonstrates reliability. Offering support services, such as training tips and health advice, can add value. Keeping in touch after puppies leave encourages positive, long-term relationships. Testimonials and reviews from satisfied customers enhance credibility. Displaying these on the website and social media can influence potential buyers’ decisions. Encouraging past clients to share their experiences helps build a trustworthy reputation. Providing exceptional service and nurturing connections are central to a loyal customer base. A successful dog breeding business requires proactive risk management in areas such as insurance, liability, and breeding challenges. These efforts ensure both financial protection and the well-being of the animals involved. Adequate insurance coverage is essential for breeders to safeguard their business against potential financial loss. Policies often needed include general liability , covering injury or property damage claims, and care, custody, or control insurance, which addresses incidents involving the dogs. Evaluating specific needs, such as coverage for rare breeds or kennel insurance, helps tailor policies effectively. Breeders should consult with insurance professionals familiar with this industry to understand the options and ensure comprehensive protection. This minimizes risks associated with accidents or legal claims, thus maintaining business stability. Breeding challenges demand careful attention to health and genetic concerns. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing are vital to prevent congenital issues and ensure the health of breeding dogs. Such practices reduce the likelihood of genetic disorders appearing in litters. Maintaining breeding records assists in tracking lineage and identifying potential health risks. Understanding breed-specific challenges and investing in quality nutrition and care are crucial. This commitment not only strengthens the overall breeding program but also enhances the reputation of the breeding business by ensuring healthy, well-adjusted puppies. The dog breeding business faces scrutiny concerning ethical practices and how these practices are viewed by the public. Addressing animal welfare and promoting responsible breeding are essential for improving public perception. Responsible breeding methods ensure the health and welfare of the dogs. Reputable breeders conduct thorough health screenings for genetic conditions. Priority is given to temperament and health over appearance. Transparency about breeding practices builds trust with potential buyers and the community. Maintaining detailed records of bloodlines prevents genetic disorders and ensures ethical standards. Clear guidelines and adherence to best practices help in avoiding overbreeding, which can harm dogs’ health. Outreach and education are tools breeders use to inform the public about responsible breeding. Participation in canine organizations and breeder networks enhances credibility and allows for the sharing of resources and knowledge. Ethical breeders often emphasize spay and neuter programs to control overpopulation and contribute to a positive reputation. Animal welfare is a prominent issue in dog breeding. Ensuring adequate living conditions, such as ample space and proper veterinary care, is critical. Regular health checks and vaccinations are necessary to maintain the animals’ well-being. Breeders must prioritize the physical and emotional needs of dogs, including exercise, socialization, and grooming. Public perception is influenced by the visibility of ethical practices. Open communication about breeding operations helps dispel negative stereotypes. Certification from recognized animal welfare organizations enhances trust. Emphasizing the ethical treatment of animals can lead to improved relationships with clients and advocacy groups, fostering a positive image in the community.