Former President Donald Trump embraced Micki Larson-Olson, a QAnon supporter who served a prison sentence for her involvement in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, during a campaign stop in New Hampshire on Thursday. The embrace has been met with criticism from some who believe it sends a message of support for the insurrection, while Trump's supporters argue that he was merely showing his appreciation for a supporter. The appearance came the same day former Vice President Mike Pence testified before a federal grand jury as part of an investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
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Hope Carrasquilla, a former Florida school principal, visited the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Italy to view Michelangelo's iconic statue of a nude David. Cecilie Hollberg, director of the gallery, welcomed Carrasquilla and her family to the museum, where they were able to view masterpieces such as Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and Giambologna's Rape of the Sabines. Hollberg hopes that the visit was a memorable experience for Carrasquilla and her family.
Montana is currently debating three bills concerning transgender and LGBTQ rights, which have been met with criticism from the Governor's son, David Gianforte, who identifies as nonbinary. The bills would ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, drag performances in public places, and allow businesses to refuse services to LGBTQ individuals. Governor Gianforte has yet to make a decision on whether or not to veto the bills, but his son is making a strong case for the LGBTQ community.
Colorado's Governor has signed four gun control bills, raising the buying age for any gun to 21 and establishing a three-day waiting period, in an attempt to reduce suicides, youth violence, and mass shootings. Republicans have decried the bills as an infringement on Second Amendment rights, while gun rights groups have filed a lawsuit to reverse two of the measures. It remains to be seen how the new laws will be implemented and if they will be successful.
Jenny Craig has announced plans to wind down its physical operations and is seeking a buyer, transitioning to an e-commerce model in celebration of its 40th anniversary. This transition may result in layoffs, but the details of the buyer and timeline are still unknown. The company has not yet commented on the potential layoffs or the impact they may have on employees.
North Carolina Supreme Court has reversed two decisions on voting rights, allowing the GOP-controlled legislature to rework the state's congressional map for the upcoming election. This move has been met with criticism from voting rights advocates, and the court's decision to revisit the cases has been called into question. The rulings are likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming election cycle in North Carolina.
The Federal Reserve released a report on Friday that found the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank last month was due to a combination of poor bank management, weakened regulations and lax government supervision. The report calls for increased transparency and accountability from the Fed, as well as for more stringent regulations and oversight of banks. It also recommends that banks be required to provide more detailed information to the Fed about their operations and financial health, and is likely to lead to changes in the way the Fed monitors banks.
The coronation of King Charles III will take place on May 6th at Westminster Abbey, featuring the Stone of Scone as a symbol of Scotland's monarchy. The 335-pound stone was transported from Edinburgh Castle to London under tight security, and the coronation will also include traditional elements such as the anointing of the new king with holy oil and the presentation of the royal regalia. The journey of the Stone of Scone is a reminder of the long and storied history of Scotland's monarchy.