Cross posted from https://lemmy.zip/post/70351759

America’s biggest berry empire doesn’t actually grow berries.

Driscoll’s is the middleman that controls the genetics, reaps the profits, and then shifts blame.

A whistleblower alleges the Canadian government repeatedly flagged their berries for exceeding pesticide limits.

cross-posted from: https://europe.pub/post/15293059

Breaking down the illusion of a 2 party system

Breaking down the myth of a 2 party system

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/65464310

A Modest Proposal For preventing the Children of Poor People From being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and For making them Beneficial to the Publick, commonly referred to as A Modest Proposal, is a Juvenalian satirical essay written and published anonymously by Jonathan Swift in 1729. The essay suggests that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food to rich gentlemen and ladies. This satirical hyperbole mocked heartless attitudes towards the poor, as well as British policy toward the Irish in general. (soooo Epstain Coded)

Lizzy is in a pine box thank gord all men die and even the ladies. 💋

Idol whorshipers icky ewww 💩

Cross posted from https://thelemmy.club/post/54746433

Politicians are telling you they’re not banning older cars. We uncovered their secret plans. They’re just making it more expensive, more restricted, and more of a pain in the backside to keep the one you already paid for, until most of you finally give up and buy a new vehicle. That is the quiet playbook unfolding right now in California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and a growing list of other states, and almost nobody in the auto media is willing to say it out loud.

Older car ownership is under attack by new vehicle regulations designed to price you out of your current ride.

We discuss the quiet playbook being used in states like California, New York, Colorado, Illinois and Massachusetts to force drivers into new vehicles. While politicians claim they are not outright banning older cars, the reality is a strategy of increased costs and restrictions that make keeping a paid-off vehicle nearly impossible. If you are frustrated by the rising cost of driving and feel like the system is rigged against you, watch this video.

Most auto media outlets refuse to address how these car restrictions are being implemented behind the scenes. The specific policy shifts are causing these new regulations. Understanding how these mandates work is essential for anyone who wants to maintain their own vehicle rather than buying new.

Subscribe for weekly automotive policy breakdowns and let me know in the comments if you have noticed these restrictive changes in your state.

“They’re literally running out of money at the end of the month,” he told Bloomberg. “We’re seeing negative cash flows in the lower-income brackets where they’re dipping into savings.”

Cross posted from https://lemmy.wtf/post/47726271

Synder may result in fewer prosecutions of state and local officials under federal law for gratuities After an official act. When cases are brought, the focus will necessarily be on proving that there was an agreement to provide a gift before the official act.

18 U.S. Code § 666 - Theft or bribery concerning programs receiving Federal funds

Bribe or Gratuity? New Supreme Court Ruling Limits Anti-Corruption Law July 25, 2024

Over the last few years, the U.S. Supreme Court has limited the scope of anti-corruption laws, arguably making it harder to convict public officials. The recent decision in Snyder v. United States continues this trend, addressing a federal law prohibiting state and local officials from accepting bribes. The Court found that the payment made to the official was a gratuity, which was not prohibited. How this may impact other cases remains to be seen.

Facts of the Case

The mayor of Portage, Indiana, was convicted of bribery under 18 U.S. Code § 666, which prohibits corruptly soliciting, demanding, or accepting anything of value from any person with the intention of being influenced or rewarded. Synder had received a $13,000 check from a trucking company awarded two city contracts the previous year. He claimed it was payment for consulting services he provided, but that was contradicted by other evidence. On appeal, Snyder argued that § 666 only criminalizes bribes, not gratuities, and the prosecution failed to show an agreement was made in exchange for the payment before the contract was awarded.

The Supreme Court Decision

The Court found that § 666 prohibits bribes made or agreed to before an official act but not gratuities given after the official act with no agreement beforehand. Part of the rationale was that § 666 didn’t address gratuities given to state and local officials; it only covered bribes. In a similar law that prohibits bribery of federal officials, a separate section applies to gratuities. In addition, gratuities given to state and local officials are typically regulated under state laws. Reading § 666 to apply to gratuities would subject those officials to a new federal regulatory regime. The federal law could also potentially expose them to high penalties for even small gifts.

Impact of the Decision

Synder may result in fewer prosecutions of state and local officials under federal law for gratuities After an official act. When cases are brought, the focus will necessarily be on proving that there was an agreement to provide a gift before the official act.

Because of the danger of having a gift perceived as an illegal bribe, individuals and businesses considering giving a gratuity should always take care to comply with federal, state, and local laws. That includes adopting clear policies and providing training to any employees interacting with government officials to avoid any appearance of bribery.

State and local officials must also stay abreast of the restrictions that apply to them regarding accepting gifts to avoid legal problems.

If you have questions about how the Synder case may apply to your situation, contact us for a consultation.

The closure of Tyson Foods will eliminate up to $116 million in annual wages and strip tens of millions from the local Quad-Cities economy.

The outlet noted that the family was reportedly using a generator in the home after their electricity was cut off due to an unpaid bill.

NC Newsline noted that family members claim the Swanns tried to prevent the electricity shutoff with a partial payment, but the city utility denied the request, citing a requirement of either the full past-due amount or a three-month plan to pay off the entire balance.

The outlet reported that Senator Natalie Murdock said hearing of the family's passing gave her chills.

"I would hope that we would dream of a world where no one dies simply because they're behind on their energy bill," Murdock said. "That's just not acceptable."

NC Newsline reported that Murdock, along with other lawmakers, filed a bill this year banning utility companies from shutting off power for nonpayment during periods of extreme heat. That bill was never given a hearing by lawmaker leaders.