Former Trump foreign policy advisor pleads guilty to making false statements to FBI about contacts with Russians. “March 31 -Trump meets in Washington with national security advisors, including Papadopoulos, who tells the group he has Russian connections who can arrange a meeting between Trump and Putin.” http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-timeline-george-papadopoulos-indictment-20171030-htmlstory.html
Facebook raises estimate of number of its users who were exposed to Russian ads to 126 million. “The company previously reported that an estimated 10 million users had seen ads bought by Russian-controlled accounts and pages.” http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-facebook-russia-posts-20171030-story.html
After telling police officers it’s ok if suspects whack their heads when being put in patrol cars, Trump called guns-drawn, no-knock, pre-dawn raid of Paul Manafort’s home “pretty tough stuff”. https://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/10/trump-paul-manafort-fbi-raid-house-241496 “(Wealthy politicians) aren’t typically subjected to early-morning no-knock raids. But lots of other people are.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2017/08/10/no-knock-raids-like-the-one-against-paul-manafort-are-more-common-than-you-think/
Catalan leader flees to Belgium, said to be forming “government in exile” as Spain takes over regional government. “Party leaders understand that Puigdemont — who faces rebellion charges that could put him in jail for 30 years — plans to seek asylum in Belgium.” https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-10-30/catalan-leader-is-said-to-abandon-party-chiefs-without-warning
Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration’s ban on transgendered soldiers. “U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued the preliminary injunction Monday, finding that a group of transgender service members would have a strong chance of prevailing in their lawsuit to have the ban declared unconstitutional.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/federal-judge-in-dc-blocks-part-of-trumps-transgender-military-ban/2017/10/30/41d41526-bd94-11e7-959c-fe2b598d8c00_story.html
Chaos reported at former Australian immigrant detention center in Papua New Guinea after Australian staff departs, leaving behind former detainees. “Several detainees separately alleged locals carrying machetes had arrived at the centre and taken away fans, furniture and other items.” https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/31/manus-island-detainees-fear-for-safety-after-police-squads-armed-like-its-a-war
Police obtain arrest warrant for actress Rose McGowan, in the spotlight for Harvey Weinstein allegations. “The felony charge stems from a police investigation of personal belongings left behind on a United flight arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport on Jan. 20. Police say the items tested positive for narcotics.” http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/arrest-warrant-issued-rose-mcgowan-relation-drug-charge-1053179
CO2 level at its highest in 800,000 years. “Without rapid cuts in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, we will be heading for dangerous temperature increases by the end of this century, well above the target set by the Paris climate change agreement.” https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/30/carbon-dioxide-in-atmosphere-hits-highest-level-in-800000-years-study-says.html
Chinese government using citizens’ personal data to rank them according to their “trustworthiness”. “It’s Amazon’s consumer tracking with an Orwellian political twist.” https://www.wired.co.uk/article/chinese-government-social-credit-score-privacy-invasion
White House spokesperson dismisses George Papadopoulos as a Trump “volunteer”. “He was a volunteer member of an advisory council that met one time.” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-house-downplays-george-papadopoulos-role-on-trump-campaign/
White House spokesperson uses story about beer-drinkers to explain Trump tax cut proposal. “Sarah Sanders is using thousands of words to say: Yes, top earners will get a tax cut.” https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/30/trump-white-house-tries-justify-tax-cuts-rich-beer-drinking-analogy-only-your-fox
Report suggests Democratic Party needs “progressive reboot”. “In a political moment defined by anger at soaring inequality, stagnant wages, corporate criminality, and “status quo methodology,” the Democratic Party and its presidential nominee—former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton—failed to transcend the public perception that the party is beholden to its corporate benefactors, from Wall Street to the tech sector.” https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/30/address-historic-failures-autopsy-urges-progressive-reboot-democrats Now where would voters get an idea like that? Did Democrats run this past focus groups first, or are they doing this on principle?
Journalists accused Manafort of money laundering scheme back in February. “At that time, (The Intercept) identified over $19 million in home equity loans taken out by Manafort in New York City over a five-year period.” https://theintercept.com/2017/10/30/paul-manafort-money-laundering-scheme-was-identified-months-ago/
Apple’s use of facial recognition could make people more likely to accept surveillance say critics. “What Apple is doing here will popularize (it) and get people more comfortable with the technology.” http://www.ibtimes.com/apple-iphone-xs-faceid-technology-what-it-could-mean-civil-liberties-2607891 And consider this – unless someone uses coercion or torture, they can’t can easily unlock your phone without your passcode. But they can easily grab you and put your phone in front of your face.
Judge says Trump’s hostile comments will not influence Bowe Bergdahl’s trial. “I am completely unaffected by any comments President Trump has made about Sergeant Bergdahl.” https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-defense-bergdahl/soldiers-brain-injury-in-focus-at-u-s-armys-bergdahl-sentencing-idUSKBN1CZ0Y9
Government reportedly considered killing Cuban refugees, blaming it on Castro. “A newly declassified document shows the CIA considered a plan in the early 1960s to plant bombs in Miami, slaughter Cuban refugees and assassinate Cuban exiles—all in a bid to turn world opinion against Cuban leader Fidel Castro.” https://www.democracynow.org/2017/10/30/headlines/jfk_files_reveal_cia_planned_to_stage_bombings_then_blame_castro And at the same time, tie up some “loose ends” after the Kennedy assassination, by getting rid of former operatives who may have been involved?
Co-founder of American Indian Movement, Dennis Banks, dies in Minnesota. “The group became one of the most influential advocacy organizations at the height of the civil rights movement in the United States.” https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-dennisbanks/american-indian-movement-founder-dennis-banks-dead-at-80-idUSKBN1D006A
White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders accuses Clinton campaign of “colluding with Russian Intelligence” by paying for Trump Russia dossier. “There’s clear evidence of the Clinton campaign colluding with Russian intelligence to spread disinformation and smear the President to influence the election.” http://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/30/politics/sanders-clinton-collusion/index.html