James Biden: My Brother Gave Me $40K, $200K Loans For Chinese Company

James Biden (C), brother of US President Joe Biden, with his attorney Paul Fishman (L), arrives for a deposition before the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees on President Biden's impeachment inquiry in Washington, DC, February 21, 2024. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

James Biden (C), brother of US President Joe Biden, with his attorney Paul Fishman (L), arrives for a deposition before the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees on President Biden’s impeachment inquiry in Washington, DC, February 21, 2024. (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

OAN’s Sophia Flores
5:50 PM – Friday, March 1, 2024

SEE: https://www.oann.com/newsroom/james-biden-my-brother-gave-me-40k-200k-loans-for-chinese-company/; republished below in full, unedited, for informational, educational, & research purposes:

James Biden, brother of President Joe Biden, confirmed that his older brother gave him a couple of loans that purportedly went to the CCP-linked energy firm CEFC China Energy.

During his impeachment inquiry testimony released by the House Oversight Committee on Friday, the younger Biden admitted that his brother gave him a $200,000 and $40,000 loan in 2017 and in 2018.

James claimed that he needed the money to pay “outstanding bills.” However, he also claims that he used the money to invest in the Chinese energy business. The reason remains unknown.

Subpoenaed bank records revealed that James Biden had a balance of $46.88 in his bank account prior to receiving the first check from his brother. James asserted that he paid back the interest loans without filling out additional documentation, emphasizing that they came from a family member.

“I repaid two loans that I secured from my brother,” James Biden said.

He received the $40,000 wire on July 28th, 2017 and paid back Joe less than two months later on September 3rd. He received the second wire of $200,000 on January 12th 2018, which was repaid to his big brother on March 1st.

When asked where he got the $200,000 to pay back his brother in such a short time span, James said that he received it though his work with Americore, but he refused to state the specific source of the funds.

“It came from money that I earned at Americore,” he said.

While the Biden family’s relationship with CEFC ended in 2018, James, Hunter Biden, and Hunter’s associates made millions-of-dollars through the lucrative deal.

Joe Biden has adamantly denied that he had any involvement in the business deals, however, a May 2017 email sent by James Gilliar, the Biden family’s associate, stated that the president was penciled in as “the big guy.”

The email also revealed that Joe Biden wanted a 10% cut in a proposed joint venture with CEFC.

Within 10 days after the email was sent, Hunter and James Biden received $5.1 million in their accounts. This testimony is a part of House Republicans’ impeachment inquiry into the 46th president.

Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts

Abortion Pills To Be Sold At CVS And Walgreens

OAN’s Brooke Mallory
11:43 AM – Friday, March 1, 2024

SEE: https://www.oann.com/newsroom/abortion-pills-to-be-sold-at-cvs-and-walgreens/; republished below in full, unedited, for informational, educational, & research purposes:

The two biggest pharmacy chains in the United States, CVS and Walgreens, announced on Friday that they would begin selling abortion pills as early as this month.

Mifepristone, a popular abortion pill, is labeled “a prescription medication.” In 2000, the FDA authorized mifepristone for abortion use, claiming that it is a “safe and reliable” method of ending an unwanted pregnancy.

Following regulatory changes established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last year that permit retail pharmacies to offer the pills, CVS and Walgreens both notified CBS News, stating that they have obtained certification to distribute the pill.

President Joe Biden praised the pharmacies’ actions, which coincide with restrictions on access to abortion in a number of U.S. states.

“The stakes could not be higher for women across America,” Biden said in a statement on Friday. “I encourage all pharmacies that want to pursue this option to seek certification,” Biden said.

A rising number of women are choosing to terminate unwanted pregnancies using an abortion pill rather than surgery. Over half of all abortions performed in the United States in 2020 were medication-assisted.

Due to this, opponents of abortion have filed a lawsuit against the FDA regarding the drug’s clearance and organized protests outside of pharmacies after CVS and Walgreens announced last year that they intended to provide patients with access to the prescription.

Many states saw restrictions on access to abortion after the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022.

In order to purchase the abortion pills, one will need to go to a store location since it is prohibited to send the medication by mail.

“Walgreens has completed the FDA certification process to dispense mifepristone and expects to begin dispensing within a week, consistent with federal and state laws,” the company said in a Friday statement to CBS News. “We are beginning a phased rollout in select locations to allow us to ensure quality, safety, and privacy for our patients, providers, and team members.”

In a statement provided to CBS News, CVS stated that it will start sending the medications out to pharmacies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island first in the upcoming weeks.

“We’ve received certification to dispense mifepristone at CVS Pharmacy and plan to fill prescriptions for this medication in states where [it is] legally permissible,” CVS said. The pharmacy chain added that it “will expand to additional states, where allowed by law, on a rolling basis.”

Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts

Macy’s Closing 150 Stores By 2026, Pivoting To Luxury Sales

NORTH MIAMI, FL - MAY 23:  Customers walk out of Macy's the day after the company announced that the 56 Burdines stores and the seven Macy's stores in Florida all will operate under the combined name of Burdines-Macy's May 23, 2003 in North Miami, Florida. The union is part of a strategy by parent company Federated Department Stores to use the national marketing clout of the Macy's name and take advantage of larger buying power. All of Federated's regional department store chains will make similar moves. The Miami-based Burdines will actually be the last one to be converted to the same name.  (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

OAN’s James Meyers
10:00 AM – Tuesday, February 27, 2024

SEE: https://www.oann.com/newsroom/macys-closing-150-stores-by-2026-pivoting-to-luxury-sales/; republished below in full, unedited, for informational, educational, & research purposes:

Macy’s plans to close almost 150 locations nationwide in order to move towards leaning more heavily on its luxury Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury chains. 

The retail store made the announcement Tuesday morning, stating it was entering a “bold new chapter” with a new CEO, Tony Spring.

The announcement also stated that Macy’s will shut down approximately 50 stores by the end of the company’s current fiscal year. 

Once the planned closures occur, Macy’s will be down to 350 stores altogether. In response to the closures, the retail giant will add almost 45 Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury locations. 

“A Bold New Chapter serves as a strong call to action. It challenges the status quo to create a more modern Macy’s, Inc. We are making the necessary moves to reinvigorate relationships with our customers through improved shopping experiences, relevant assortments and compelling value,” Spring said in a statement. “Our teams are energized by the work ahead as we accelerate our path to market share gains, sustainable, profitable growth and value creation for our shareholders.”

Additionally, Macy’s has been under pressure due to its underperformance over the past few years. According to The New York Times, the under-performing locations accounted for 25% of the company’s square footage but just 10% of its sales. 

The latest announcement comes less than a month after the retail store announced another series of closures in January. That resulted in the closure of five locations and removing 2,350 positions, or 3.5% of the company’s workforce. 

Furthermore, in October, the retailer announced that it’s increasing its small-format store expansion by opening up 30 smaller stores across the U.S.

Department stores have seen an increase in revenue in recent years, with the COVID-19 Pandemic causing stores such as J.C. Penney and Neiman Marcus, both of which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020. 

Macy’s announcement caused shares to trade at more than 2% lower in premarket action. 

Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts

GLENN BECK: Truckers Explain Why They’re BOYCOTTING New York and Standing With Donald Trump

New York has charged former president Donald Trump $355 million for allegedly inflating the value of his properties in order to defraud banks (despite ZERO banks losing any money). But truckers across the country have decided to protest the ruling by boycotting New York City and even New York state. Glenn spoke with some of the truckers and their message was clear: “Under no circumstances will I cross that bridge again.”

Truckers For Trump! The Boycott of New York City! | Explained and Analyzed

Discover the intricacies of the Truckers for Trump movement as we delve into their nationwide boycott against New York City. In this video, we break down the reasons behind the boycott, examining the protest against what's perceived as a witch hunt targeting Donald Trump. Explore the impact, motivation, and implications of this significant protest action. Join us as we analyze the dynamics of this movement and its broader context within the political landscape. Don't miss out on understanding this crucial moment in contemporary politics!

Why Are Banks And Retailers Closing Thousands of Branches?

VIDEO PLAYS ON YOUTUBE ONLY

SEE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuFUufLjKFM

Why Are Banks and Retailers Closing Thousands of Branches? In today's rapidly changing economic landscape, the impact of various factors such as inflation, bank closures, and business shutdowns cannot be overstated. The economy is facing unprecedented challenges, with repercussions that extend far beyond the financial sector. As bank closures and retailers shutter thousands of stores, questions about the future of our money and the stability of our businesses loom large. The year 2024 has brought with it a wave of uncertainty, with headlines dominated by news of bank crises and business collapses. The implications of these developments ripple through every aspect of our lives, from the way we manage our finances to the prices we pay for everyday goods. It's a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of the global economy and the fragility of our financial systems. Amidst this backdrop of turmoil, discussions about the root causes of these challenges are paramount. Inflation has emerged as a key driver, eroding the purchasing power of consumers and placing strain on businesses already grappling with rising costs. The cost of living crisis is no longer a distant concern but a harsh reality for many households. The domino effect of bank closures further exacerbates these issues, as communities are left underserved and individuals are left without access to essential financial services. The bank collapse of 2024 has sent shockwaves through the finance industry, prompting reflection on the systemic vulnerabilities that have led us to this point. At the intersection of politics and the economy, tough decisions must be made to navigate these turbulent waters. The repercussions of bank shutdowns and business closures extend far beyond the balance sheets, shaping the social and political landscape in profound ways. While the video aims to shed light on these pressing issues, it is only the beginning of a much larger conversation. The complexities of the economy defy simple explanations, and the solutions to our current challenges will require collaboration and innovation on a global scale. As we delve into the intricacies of finance and the dynamics of business, let us remember that each data point represents real people and real communities grappling with uncertainty and hardship. If you find this video informative and thought-provoking, please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to our channel for more captivating content. Don't forget to hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest videos. Share this video with your friends and family who may find it interesting. Keep watching to see economy, bank crisis, inflation, finances, cost of living, business shutdown.

Judge Engoron Bans Trump From Doing Business In N.Y. For 3 Years, Must Pay More Than $354M

Judge Arthur Engoron attends the closing arguments in the Trump Organization civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, January 11, 2024. Trump's legal team will deliver closing arguments January 11 in the fraud case after the judge barred the former president from using the trial finale as an election campaign grandstand. (Photo by SHANNON STAPLETON / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SHANNON STAPLETON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Judge Arthur Engoron attends the closing arguments in the Trump Organization civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, January 11, 2024. (Photo by SHANNON STAPLETON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

OAN’s Sophia Flores
UPDATED 12:47 PM – Friday, February 16, 2024

SEE: https://www.oann.com/newsroom/judge-engoron-bans-trump-from-doing-business-in-n-y-for-3-years-must-pay-more-than-354m/; republished below in full, unedited, for informational, educational, & research purposes: 

Judge Arthur Engoron heard deliberations and made his final say in the New York courtroom, declaring that 45th President Donald J. Trump is liable, an expected decision by the liberal judge.  

The Friday verdict, which was revealed in a 92-page ruling, stated that Trump has to pay at least $354 million in the civil fraud trial.

Additionally, Trump is banned from conducting business in New York and serving as an officer or director at any New York corporation or legal entity for three years.

Trump and the Trump Organization is also banned from applying for loans from any financial institution registered with the New York Department of Financial Services for three years.

Additionally, Trump’s two adult sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., are ordered to pay $4 million each for what Judge Engoron referred to as “personal profits from the fraud.” The court similarly banned the two from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or other legal entity for two years.

Former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg was fined $1 million.

This trial was initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James. James accused Trump, his two adult sons, and his top executives of inflating the Trump organization’s net worth in order to gain financial perks, such as better loans from banks.  

When James first sued Trump in the fall of 2022, she asked the judge to penalize Trump $250 million for “inflating his net worth in order to retain better loans.” However, her number later rose to $370 million in January, as she believed that throughout the trial, “he gained all of his money unlawfully.”

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.

Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts

Ray Dalio Predicts A Horrible Economic Crisis Where EVERYTHING WILL COLLAPSE

Ray Dalio has studied the last 500 years of history and economic cycles. He explains where we are now, and covers a wide range of topics regarding the world economy and the United States position. Share your thoughts in the comments below and enjoy the analysis from one of the world’s greatest investors! Raymond T. Dalio is an American billionaire investor. He founded the world's largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, in 1975. The firm serves institutional clients including pension funds, endowments, foundations, foreign governments, and central banks with $140 billion under management. Ray has also written the book "Principles: Life & Work" about investment philosophy and corporate management, and other great ones worth reading.

HERE WE GO: Fed Chair Powell Declares Certain Banks Must Go Amidst Commercial Real Estate Downturn

Is the regional bank crisis ending or just starting? Recent developments, such as the sharp decline in New York Community Bancorp's stock from commercial real estate losses, signal potential trouble. With $500 billion in debt maturing this year and falling property values, small banks are bracing for a crisis.

The Next Great Recession Has Already Begun In Commercial Real Estate

Janet Yellen Says ‘We Don’t Have To Get The Prices Down’~Then John Kennedy Reacts~COMPARED TO 1923 IN GERMANY’S HYPERINFLATION

Inflation rises faster than expected in January, up 18% since Biden took office; Former Assistant Treasury Secretary Monica Crowley discusses the strain inflation is having on the middle and lower class

COMPARE NOW TO THE GERMAN HYPER-INFLATION OF 1923:

THE GERMAN HYPERINFLATION OF 1923: A RETROSPECTIVE

5 trillion (5 Billionen, 5×1012) marks, Stuttgart, 1923

notgeld farbw 3 mio 08 1923

Hyperinflation: The Most Notorious Story of Inflation - (Weimar Republic) Germany

 

Inflation Surges Beyond Expectations, Undermining ‘Bidenomics’ Narrative

The Consumer Price Index report for December, released today, reveals an annual inflation increase of 3.4%, surpassing expectations. Core inflation, which factors in food and energy prices, rose by 3.9%. Ed Sidell, CEO and Chief Investment Advisor at EGSI Financial, discusses with OAN's Alicia Summers how the uptick in inflation challenges the mainstream narrative, suggesting that the fight against it is not as robust under 'Bidenomics.'

Biden Has Already Allowed the Houthis to Win~Biden Blocked ‘Additional Military Response’ to Houthi Attack on US Navy~UK retail giant and others warn of shipping delays due to Houthi attacks on Red Sea merchant ships

Playing defense against Islamic terrorists doesn’t work.

Playing defense against Islamic terrorists doesn’t work. The terrorists, at least initially, don’t need to win, they just need to take your society hostage and force you to constantly be on the defensive. Parts of your economy get shut down and you’re always on alert.

The Houthi Jihadists in Yemen, backed by Iran, have taken a crucial waterway hostage. Biden responded by playing defense, responding to Houthi attacks on shipping but without making a concerted effort to take out the terrorist infrastructure.

And so here we are.

Biden’s Red Sea Coalition responds defensively to attacks on shipping.

U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire and sank three small boats carrying Houthi militants in the Red Sea on Sunday, after U.S. warships responded to a distress call from a merchant vessel, military officials said.

A Maersk container ship, the Singapore-flagged Hangzhou, issued a distress call at about 6:30 a.m. local time, U.S. Central Command said in a statement on Sunday. The merchant vessel said four small boats were attacking it.

“The small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired crew-served and small-arms weapons at the Maersk Hangzhou, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel, and attempted to board the vessel,” Central Command said.

Helicopters from two U.S. ships — the USS Eisenhower and the USS Gravely — responded and issued verbal calls to the small boats, U.S. officials said.

While the helicopters were “in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms,” Central Command said.

Service members aboard the Navy helicopters returned fire and sank three of the four small boats, killing the crews, U.S. officials said. The fourth boat fled the area.

Read between the lines here. US Naval personnel were only allowed to fire on the Houthis when fired on.

They did not have authorization to fire when the Houthis were firing on the Maersk Hangzhou or on what were clearly enemy vessels, but only defensively in response to attacks on the US Navy.

Is it any wonder that Maersk is calling it a day?

Shipping and logistics behemoth A.P. Moller-Maersk said Tuesday that it’s suspending its shipping operations through the Red Sea until further notice as it investigates an attack on one of its ships by Iran-backed Houthi rebels this past weekend.

Biden has demonstrated that he’ll only react defensively to clear attacks. That’s not going to secure the Red Sea for shipping.

So Biden has handed the Houthis a victory. They don’t need to actually seize ships, they just need to demonstrate that the area is unsafe for vessels (unless they covertly pay protection money to the terrorists) and that America isn’t going to make the threat go away any time soon.

This is how we lose and the terrorists win.

______________________________________________________________________

US Navy personnel were only allowed to fire on the Houthis when fired on.

Yesterday I wrote that Biden had allowed the Houthis to win by refusing to take any affirmative action against the Iran-backed Jihadis operating in Yemen and attacking shipping in the Red Sea.

“US Naval personnel were only allowed to fire on the Houthis when fired on. They did not have authorization to fire when the Houthis were firing on the Maersk Hangzhou or on what were clearly enemy vessels, but only defensively in response to attacks on the US Navy.”

An NBC News account of inside deliberations in the Biden administration reveals that Biden refused to approve any follow-up response.

“According to the officials, U.S. Central Command provided Defense Department leaders with options for an additional military response after the incident, and the Pentagon sent those options to senior White House officials. Biden, who was on vacation in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, did not approve an additional military response.”

Military leaders probably wanted to at least carry out some minimal strikes on Houthi bases. Nope.

Now the Biden administration and its Red Sea coalition issued yet another threat warning of “consequences.”

We hereby reiterate the following and warn the Houthis against further attacks…

“Let our message now be clear: we call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews. The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways. We remain committed to the international rules-based order and are determined to hold malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks.”

Accountable and consequences. Words to terrify any bureaucrat. Not so much international terrorists.

Biden has pledged nothing, committed to nothing and therefore threatened nothing. Instead, he’s allowed Iran to hold the world’s shipping hostage.

_____________________________________________________________

The Houthis are Iranian proxies who support Hamas. They have been escalating attacks in the Red Sea against merchant ships traveling to and from Israel. They have also launched missiles against Israel. For this reason, Biden created a naval coalition, called “Operation Prosperity Guardian,” to stop them. The motto for Houthis and their supporters: “Allahu akbar. Death to America, death to Israel, curse for the Jews, victory for Islam.” That motto is consistent with Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Palestinian Authority and virtually every violent and stealth jihadist entity. Few, if any, would have foreseen that the Houthis, from one of the world’s poorest countries, would blockade one of the busiest trade corridors in the world, the Red Sea, disrupting merchant ships and even attacking them, and causing impact on businesses worldwide.

Britain’s multinational retail giant Next has now announced a two-and-a-half week delay in stock delivery times for products coming through the Suez Canal.

“Next warns of stock shortages if Red Sea shipping problems continue,” by Jabed Ahmed, Independent, January 4, 2024:

Retail giant Next has warned supplies of its products could be delayed if attacks on container ships in the Red Sea continue.

Attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels on ships in the Bab-el-Mandeb Straight of the Suez Canal have seen the world’s largest shipping firms halt shipments through the Red Sea, with the diversions adding thousands of miles to journeys, driving up costs and leading to delays.

The attacks have forced a number of companies to reroute cargo around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, which adds 3,000 to 3,500 nautical miles to journeys connecting Asia with Europe — adding about 10 days to journeys, according to the Dutch bank ING.

Next is not the first company to warn of issues in the supply of products. Last month furniture giant Ikea said some of its products could also be delayed due to attacks.

According to a CNBC’s Stock market and business report:

Drone and missile attacks by Yemen-based Houthi militants have upended shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, a narrow waterway through which some 10% of the world’s trade sails.

The effects of the jihad against Israel are expanding globally — from antisemitism and intimidating pro-Hamas protests to the latest impact on businesses due to Red Sea attacks. In an update, the American-led naval coalition, which has grown to 13 countries including the US, has just vowed consequences if the Houthis continue attacks in the Red Sea. The Sydney Morning Herald stated that missile sites in Yemen may be targeted and struck. The participating countries in the Red Sea coalition are: America, Britain, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore and New Zealand.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli Govt. on hostage operations, murdered bodies held captive

The Israeli Government provided an update on the 129 hostages being held captive by Hamas. Israeli Government Spokesman Eylon Levy says Hamas is holding the bodies of hostages that have been murdered. The government says Hezbollah has launched an anti-tank missile from inside Lebanon at the Greek Orthodox Church, injuring a civilian.

1 2 3 24