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In U.S. News Senators Richard Burr and Mark Warner announced on Friday that former FBI Director James Comey will publicly testify before a Senate Committee.  No date has been set, but the appearance before the committee will likely come sometime after Memorial Day. On Friday, former New York Congressmen Anthony Weiner plead guilty to sending obscene materials to a minor and will have to register as a sex offender.  Most of us remember that Weiner resigned from Congress in 2011 after it was revealed he was sending explicit texts to several women.     In International News Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have pledged $100,000 to a World Bank fund for women entrepreneurs.  The fund was the idea of Ivanka Trump.  The World Bank president, Jim Young Kim, stated, “This is really a stunning achievement. I've never seen anything come together so quickly, and I really have to say that Ivanka's leadership has been tremendous." During his first foreign trip as President and while delivering a speech to dozens

Today’s guest is Sean Lane, CEO of CrossChx, and we have a great chat about artificial intelligence. Email:  sean.lane@crosschx.com CrossChx: https://crosschx.com/ In the News President Trump met with Juan Manuel the President of Columbia yesterday and held a joint news conference.  The President emphasized counter drug trafficking in partnership with Columbia.   Other key points include the President’s claims that illegal border crossings in the U.S. are down 73%, he wants the U.S. to work with South American countries on the Venezuelan problem, and also promised that MS-13 gang members will be gone from the U.S. soon. President Trump also took to Twitter today as he tweeted, “this is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!” and “with all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign & Obama Administration, there was never a special counsel!” The tweets were in response to Wednesday’s news that the Department of Justice appointment former FBI Director Robert Muel

In the News The U.S. Justice Department appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel to oversee the FBI’s investigation into any Russian interference in the last presidential election.  The announcement was made by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein who also pointed out that the decision is not a finding that crimes have been committed or that any prosecution is warranted.  No such determination has been made. Over 40 suspected members of the gang, MS-13 were arrested in Los Angeles and face federal charges which include murder, extortion, drugs and weapons related crimes.  Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra Brown stated,  "Today's charges and arrests, however, will deal a critical blow to the top leadership of this criminal organization and will significantly improve safety in neighborhoods across this region." White House spokesman Sean Spicer said on Wednesday that the President will continue to interview candidates for the FBI Director position and is to meet with acting Director

In the News The U.S. National Security Advisor, H.R. McMaster told reporters on Tuesday that it was wholly appropriate that President Trump shared ISIS threat information with Russia and that no sources and methods of intelligence collection were disclosed.  McMaster’s statement came amidst a barrage of questions from reporters about recent news media coverage about the appropriateness of the President sharing threat information with other nations. President Trump met with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates at the White House today to discuss steps to deepen our strategic partnership and promote stability and prosperity throughout the Middle East.  The two leaders discussed bilateral defense cooperation, counterterrorism, resolving the conflicts in Yemen and Syria, and the threat to regional stability posed by Iran.  They also explored ways to increase economic cooperation. A new Pew Research Center survey finds that 83% of Americans say increasing use of renewable energy sou

Matthew Archibald, Phd in International Relations and scholar on Afghanistan, is today’s guest.  He will help us learn about the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and some of the current challenges facing that nation. In the News After losing the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Hillary Clinton announced on Monday that she is launching an organization called Onward Together which seeks to fund resistance groups that are opposed to President Trump.  The website for the organization has the quote, “Resist, insist, persist, enlist.” on its homepage. The website: https://www.onwardtogether.org/ The Pew Research Center reports that 44% of adults think that the protests, marches, and demonstrations for science and climate in recent months will boost public support for science and an equal number (44%) believe that the protests will make no difference.  Results were divided among political and generational lines.  61% of Democrats believe that the marches will increase public support and 22% of Republicans believe the

Matthew Archibald, Phd in International Relations and scholar on Afghanistan, is today’s guest.  He will help us learn about the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and some of the current challenges facing that nation. In the News Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated on Sunday that the Senate should refuse to confirm any new FBI director until a special counsel is appointed to take over the investigation into Russia meddling in the U.S. election. U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, issued a memo on Friday that directs the U.S. Attorneys to, “charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense.”  The direction is a reversal from the Obama administration that instructed prosecutors to avoid pursuing the toughest charges in certain cases.   Brooks Brothers warned customers on Friday that payment card information of some of its customers may be compromised.  Customers who purchased items at Brooks Brothers’ stores between April 2017 and March 2017 should monitor their credit and debit cards.  The c

In the News President Trump signed an Executive Order on Strengthening the Cyber security of Federal networks and Critical Infrastructure.  The order is meant to enhance the government’s cyber security and help protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.  The order also seeks to treat federal IT as an enterprise while leaving protection responsibility on the shoulders of agency heads.  Additionally, federal agencies must use the National Institute of Standards and Technology framework to assess and manage cyber risk.   Homeland Security Adviser, Tom Bossert, introduced the executive order and provided some concerns about cyber threat trends. ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON ELECTION INTEGRITY:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/05/11/presidential-executive-order-establishment-presidential-advisory President Trump also signed an Executive Order on the Establishment of Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity.  The order creates a bipartisan commission of

In the News Politicians on both sides of the aisle and much of the U.S. news media spent most of Wednesday speculating about why President Trump dismissed James Comey as the FBI Director.  Much of the speculation and assumptions involved Russia. Meanwhile, the White House deputy press secretary stated that the President lost confidence in Directory Comey and considered letting him go since the day he was elected.  The President then tweeted on Wednesday that, “ Dems have been complaining for months & months about Dir. Comey. Now that he has been fired they PRETEND to be aggrieved. Phony hypocrites!” In International News A Syrian rebel group named the Syrian Democratic Forces took control of the city of Tabqa and a nearby dam from ISIS control.  The rebel group is comprised of mostly Kurdish and Arab fighters.  The spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve stated that the rebel group and coalition forces will continue operations to isolate and seize Raqqah.   Just a reminder to check out Monday’s and Tuesd

Today’s special guest is Dave Bittner, producer and host of The Cyber Wire Podcast.  Thanks for the chat about Cyber Security, Dave. The CyberWire - Your cyber security new connection:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cyberwire-your-cyber-security-news-connection/id1071831261?mt=2 CyberWire Website:  https://www.thecyberwire.com/podcasts/ In the News President Trump informed FBI Director James Comey that he has been terminated and removed from office.  According to a White House Statement, the action was taken based on recommendations from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.  The search for a new permanent FBI Direct will begin immediately. White House Statement:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/05/09/statement-press-secretary-1 In International News President Trump approved the further arming of Syrian Kurds in an effort to battle the Islamic State in Raqqa the Department of Defense reported.  Turkey has continued to object to arming Kurds for f

Today’s Guest Brian Glyn Williams is today’s special guest for our discussion about Syria.  Brian is a professor of Islamic history at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and a former Counterterrorism Center, Central Intelligence Agency officer.   Brian’s Website:  http://www.brianglynwilliams.com/ Brian book, “Counter Jihad: America's Military Experience in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria” https://www.amazon.com/Counter-Jihad-Experience-Afghanistan-Foundation-ebook/dp/B01MAXUKIO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494194559&sr=8-1&keywords=brian+counter+jihad   In the News Sally Yates, the former acting attorney general, testified before a Senate subcommittee yesterday while stating that, “General Flynn was compromised in regard to the Russians.”  Yates explained she had concerns that Flynn could be blackmailed because he was allegedly lying to the White House regarding conversations with Russian officials.  In response, President Trump tweeted, “Ask Sally Yates, under oath, if she knows how classified i

Today’s Guest Brian Glyn Williams is today’s special guest for our discussion about Syria. Brian is a professor of Islamic history at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and a former Counterterrorism Center, Central Intelligence Agency officer.   Brian’s Website:  http://www.brianglynwilliams.com/ Brian book, “Counter Jihad: America's Military Experience in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria” https://www.amazon.com/Counter-Jihad-Experience-Afghanistan-Foundation-ebook/dp/B01MAXUKIO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494194559&sr=8-1&keywords=brian+counter+jihad   In the News The new jobs numbers are out. Unemployment falls slightly to 4.4% after the economy adds 211,000 new jobs. The labor force participation rate, at 62.9 percent, changed little in April and hasshown little movement over the past year. The employment-population ratio, at 60.2percent, was also little changed over the month but was up by 0.5 percentage point sinceDecember. Don’t rely on social media memes. Bureau of Labor Statistic:  https:/

In the News House resolution 1628, The American Health Care Act, passed  with a 217 to 213 vote on   Thursday. The President remains convinced that insurance premiums will come down and the bill will pass the Senate. Democrats continue to be concerned that some Americans will lose any type of health coverage. HR 1628:  https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1628/text President Trump signed the Promoting Free Speech and Religious LIberty  executive order today which aims to remove the threat of action by the Internal Revenue Service if religious leaders were to speak out on behalf of political candidates.   Opponents of the bill worry that the bill will encourage discrimination against certain groups.  Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi stated, “While the President’s executive order claims to serve religious liberty, in practice, it is a license for a few to violate the rights and freedoms of everyone else.” According to Pew Research, the public’s trust in government remains at historic lows.  The res

Today’s Guest with a Discussion on Blockchain Special thanks to Professor Mark Mueller-Eberstein, CEO and Founder of the Adgetec Corporation Mark’s Website:  http://www.mueller-eberstein.com/ Adgetec’s Website:  http://www.adgetec.com   Be sure to check out Mark’s TED Talk, :Lad and be the change”  http://www.mueller-eberstein.com/   In the News The U.S. House of Representatives may vote on a bill to replace and repeal Obamacare on Thursday.  There is still talk of having a high risk pool with additional funding that will help to insure Americans will pre-existing conditions.  Details regarding the bill are still emerging. FBI Director, James Comey defended his actions as director in front of a Senate panel on Wednesday for nearly 4 hours.  Director Comey stated that he felt mildly nauseous” at the idea that his decisions regarding investigations into Hillary Clinton could have swayed the U.S. presidential election.  However, he stated that he had no regrets and continued, “...I think I’ve done the right thin

In the News   President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke yesterday regarding the crisis in Syria.  Both agree that “suffering in Syria has gone on for far too long and that all parties must do all they can to end the violence.”  Discussion included the need for safe zones within Syria that might help achieve a lasting peace for humanitarian reasons.  The U.S. will also be sending a representative to the cease-fire talking in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 3rd and 4th.   Be sure to check out our podcast next week and our interview with Brian Williams, professor of Islamic history at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth who will explain the events in Syria that lead to the current situation.     The Russian also met with German Chancellor Merkel and held a joint news conference.  Merkel revealed the possibility of lifting European sanctions against Russia and exploring cultural exchanges.   In light of recent, high profile, instances of customers being allegedly mistreated by U.S. airlines and b

U.S. News   Yesterday was May Day,  May 1st, a public holiday with its roots in an ancient festival that celebrates Spring in many cultures.  In the late 19th century, the same day, May 1st became known as the International Workers’ Day.  In cities around the world yesterday, celebrations, labor rallies, and protests were seen.  Several protests occurred in major cities across the U.S. with protesters’ messages varying.  Some protesters called for universal healthcare and others chanted for the abolishment of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in addition to calls for workers’ rights.  A common theme of the protests appeared to be opposition to President Trump as many effigies of the President were seen at several rallies.  Although many rallies were mostly peaceful, the Portland Police Department reported that rocks, lead balls, and full cans of pepsi were being thrown at police officers.  Also, in New York City, police eventually dispersed a crowd in order to clear the streets and sidewalks

In U.S. News President Trump signed two executive orders on Saturday that were related to foreign trade. One order directs a review of all existing U.S. trade agreements while the second order establishes an Office of Trade and Manufacturing. Link to U.S. presidential executive orders: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/executive-orders At least 7 people were killed and dozens injured as tornadoes struck in Texas over the weekend.  Much of the damage was located in Van Zandy County with a population of over 52,000 according to census data.   Regarding another attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare, President Trump tweeted on Sunday that, “...healthcare plan is on its way.  Will have much lower premiums and deductibles while at the same time taking care of pre-existing conditions!” Link to Tweet:  https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/858660413873025024   The Climate March was held on Saturday in several cities throughout the U.S.  Some estimates claim that over 200,000 people

We are excited to introduce FactFruit, a new daily news podcast.  We will bring you the most important news stories Monday through Friday.  We are simply going to deliver you the information without the political noise that we all commonly find in other media outlets.     Many of our daily shows will feature a guest who will dig deeper into a topic so that we can all better understand our world.  Topics range from the crisis in Syria to the latest consumer technology.  Our guests are not political pundits or talking heads; they are invited to the show to inform us and not try to sway our political opinions.   Keep an eye out for our first episode.  We will announce the date on social media and our website, factfruit.com.  See you soon!   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FactFruit Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RealFactFruit Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/factfruitnews