From Russia with malice: Report links Moscow to Havana syndrome attacks
A mystery illness reported by some U.S. officials that is causing acute ringing in the ears followed by piercing pain, vertigo, nausea and lasting cognitive problems may have a Russian link, according to a CBS News “60 Minutes” report. The condition, known as Havana syndrome, is now linked to a covert Russian intelligence unit in Tbilisi, Georgia, called Unit 29155.
A five-year-long investigation by CBS’ “60 Minutes,” The Insider and Germany’s Der Spiegel has traced the source of the attacks to Unit 29155. According to the report, the group is comprised of assassins and saboteurs who use counter surveillance, poison and other advanced technology on their enemies.
Journalist Christo Grozev, who identified those behind the 2020 poisoning of the late Alexei Navalny, said he found an email linking the Russian intelligence unit to a request from the Russian government for “potential capabilities of non-lethal acoustic weapons.”
Grozev said email login data places the son of a 29155 unit commander in Tbilisi at the time of suspected attacks.
Experts say the potential weapon is untraceable and uses microwave technology to emit a frequency capable of damaging soft tissue in the brain. Victims of the alleged attacks include Central Intelligence Agency officials, Federal Bureau of Investigation officials, White House officials, and, in some instances, their spouses and children.
One U.S. official reported that he heard a device above his child’s crib and has since experienced persistent symptoms, such as sensitivity to light.
In total, there are about 1,000 reports of Havana Syndrome cases. However, the U.S. State Department contends that there is no concrete evidence implicating Russia, and the CIA has said the syndrome was “unlikely the efforts of a foreign adversary.”
An American military investigator, Greg Edgreen, who handled classified documents as part of the Department of Defense’s investigation, told “60 Minutes” that the incidents had some striking similarities.
“Consistently, there was a Russia nexus,” Edgreen said. “There was some angle where they had worked against Russia, focused on Russia and done extremely well.”
Edgreen said Russia’s motivation may be to disrupt U.S. diplomatic relations. For instance, U.S. officials said they were targeted in Vietnam ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit in 2021.
Russia has a friendly relationship with Vietnam and reportedly gave the country technology capable of “acoustic attacks.” There were 11 victims in total, some of whom were flown out of the country. Two of the victims were from the American Embassy in Hanoi, while nine others were part of the U.S. Defense Department’s advance team preparing for the vice president’s visit.
Report: Trump approved secret CIA mission using social media against China
According to an exclusive Reuters report, during his presidency, former President Donald Trump authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct a covert operation on Chinese social media. The operation aimed to sow discontent among the Chinese public against its government, as per former U.S. officials familiar with the classified mission.
Three former officials interviewed by Reuters disclosed that the CIA formed a small team of operatives who utilized false online identities to disseminate negative narratives about Chinese leaders. Concurrently, these operatives leaked derogatory intelligence to news outlets. U.S. officials confirmed that the operation was intended to spread paranoia among China’s top leaders.
Former CIA agents refrained from providing specific details about the mission. However, they mentioned that some of the claims involved allegations of hiding illicit money overseas and accusations of corruption within China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the U.S. operation, accusing the United States of manipulating international public opinion.
The CIA’s operation reportedly responded to China’s aggressive covert efforts to expand its global influence.
Trump pursued a tougher stance on China compared to his predecessor, signaling a return to Cold War-era methods, according to former U.S. officials interviewed by Reuters.
The impact of the secret operations has not been publicly disclosed, nor is it known whether President Joe Biden has continued the program. Two intelligence historians informed Reuters that covert action authority often persists across administrations when granted by the White House.
Trump has hinted at adopting an even more robust approach towards China if he is reelected in November.
Thomas Rid, a professor at Johns Hopkins University who authored a book on the history of political warfare, expressed concern about the risky nature of the covert operation. Rid warned that it could escalate tensions with China, especially at a time when they could retaliate through trade.
Schumer: Security bill on immigration, Ukraine aid to be unveiled soon: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 2, 2024
The details of a deal on border security and Ukraine aid is set to be released as the Senate gears up to vote. And the Vision Pro is here, with Apple looking to make ‘spatial computing’ a household phrase. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.
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“Conversations are ongoing, and some issues still need resolution, but we are getting very close on the national security supplemental,” Schumer said. “The national security supplemental is so important to enabling us to address multiple crises around the globe.”
The agreement by a bipartisan group of senators would see tens of billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine and Israel and changes to border security amid a record number of illegal crossings. It remains to be seen how Republicans, who have sought to tie immigration reform to any additional funding for Ukraine, will respond to the bill.
Schumer said the bill will be made public, if not Friday, Feb. 2, by Sunday, Feb. 4, and added that will give members enough time to read it before voting.
Ex-CIA hacker gets 40 years in prison for leaking secrets to WikiLeaks
Former CIA software engineer Joshua Schulte has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted of carrying out the largest data breach in CIA history and for possession of explicit child sexual abuse content. Schulte leaked information released in WikiLeaks’ “Vault 7” in 2017.
He caused untold damage to our national security in his quest for revenge against the CIA for its response to Schulte’s security breaches while employed there.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams
“We will likely never know the full extent of the damage, but I have no doubt it was massive,” Federal Judge Jesse M. Furman said.
The “Vault 7” leak detailed CIA electronic surveillance and cyber warfare capabilities. U.S. WikiLeaks released sensitive information regarding the agency’s surveillance of foreign governments and extremists by hacking devices and computer networks. Attorney Damian Williams, who prosecuted the case, called the leak the most brazen crime of espionage in American history.
“He caused untold damage to our national security in his quest for revenge against the CIA for its response to Schulte’s security breaches while employed there,” Williams said.
CIA Deputy Director David S. Cohen said Schulte’s crimes “caused exceptionally grave harm to U.S. national security and the CIA.”
While prosecutors asked for a life sentence to be handed down, Schulte’s attorneys argued for a nine-year sentence, saying Schulte has been subject to “continuous torture” and is a “bright, kind young man.”
“We are very disappointed that Mr. Schulte received 40 years imprisonment, however, relieved that he did not receive life imprisonment as strongly urged by the government,” said César de Castro, Schulte’s attorney.
In a courtroom statement, Schulte said that this is not justice but vengeance taken by the government. The judge responded, saying he was “blown away” by Schulte’s “complete lack of remorse and acceptance of responsibility.”
Lloyd Austin apologizes for secrecy around cancer treatment
“I want to be crystal clear. We did not handle this right, and I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis,” Austin said. “I should have also told my team and the American public, and I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.”
The defense secretary underwent surgery on Dec. 22, but after serious complications, he returned to the hospital on Jan. 1, the president was informed three days later. Austin said he is a private person but never directed anyone to keep his hospitalization from the White House. Austin said he is continuing to undergo physical therapy and is recovering well.
Several people killed after small plane crashes into mobile home park
Several people were killed when a small plane crashed into a mobile home park in Florida on Thursday night, Feb. 1. Emergency crews responded to the fiery scene in Clearwater, finding four trailers on fire, with the crashed plane inside one.
NEW: Footage shows firefighters and police responding to the scene of a small plane crash at a mobile home park in Clearwater, Florida. Fire officials say "several" people have been killed. https://t.co/8fyIcMTShNpic.twitter.com/bZZ9buhRxU
Apple’s latest invention, the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, is hitting store shelves on Friday, Feb. 2. Apple hopes the Vision Pro has the revolutionary impact the iPhone did back in 2007, bringing what it’s calling “spatial computing” to the mainstream.
But at $3,500, its high price point may initially keep many away. Analysts predict Apple will only sell about 1 million or fewer devices this year. More than 600 apps have been developed specifically for the Vision Pro.
NFL player helps save woman’s life during flight home
In about one week, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers will be looking to be heroes on the field at the Super Bowl, but one NFL player is already being called a hero for his quick-thinking actions, not on the field, but on a plane.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was flying home to Phoenix on a Southwest flight when a woman had a medical emergency. Flight attendants, as well as a doctor and nurse who were on the plane, ran over to assist.
According to passengers, the woman had a weak pulse and trouble breathing. That’s when Andrews popped up from his seat and suggested the woman could be suffering from a blood sugar problem. Andrews, who has Type 1 diabetes, had his diabetic testing kit on him. He handed it over, showing the doctor and nurse how to use it, and soon the woman was stabilized. In a statement, Andrews thanked the flight attendants and said the doctor and nurse were the real heroes.
CIA director traveling to Europe for talks on Gaza hostage release, cease-fire
With the Israel-Hamas war surpassing 100 days, pressure on both parties to agree to a cease-fire from world leaders is mounting. Reports say CIA Director William Burns is soon expected to travel to France to meet with Israeli intelligence officials along with Qatari and Egyptian officials in an attempt to broker a deal for the release of the more than 100 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
According to an anonymous source cited by CBS News and other outlets, Burns will be meeting with the head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence official Abbas Kamel.
🔴During IDF operations in Khan Yunis, troops from the Paratroopers Brigade located dozens of AK-47s, grenades, mortar shells and explosives used to fire from drones. pic.twitter.com/cLK7X5e9R6
Previous negotiations fell short of a deal, however, with Hamas adamant that hostages would only be released in exchange for an end to the war, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza. An offer that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected.
“Hamas is demanding, in exchange for the release of our hostages, the end of the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of the murderers and rapists of the Nukhba and leaving Hamas in place,” Netanyahu said. “I am not prepared to accept such a mortal blow to the security of Israel; therefore, we will not agree to this.”
"Still alive. But we're surrounded by IDF forces & tanks, shooting & shelling everywhere. Ambulances can't reach us"
@TomWhiteGaza @CNN: Despite continuous effort to work with Israeli army, it took 2 days to get safe access & evacuate wounded people in @UNRWA shelter #KhanYounispic.twitter.com/IXRL3pKFm6
In a statement on Jan. 18, marking the 100th day of the war, President Joe Biden made a promise to Americans who have loved ones being held captive in Gaza, saying the U.S. “will never stop working to bring Americans home.”
US military aircraft crashes near Japan, at least 1 dead: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 29, 2023
A U.S. military aircraft crashes near Japan with six people on board killing at least one. And, former President Jimmy Carter makes a rare appearance to honor his late wife. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.
U.S. military osprey aircraft with 6 aboard crashes in ocean near Japan
According to Japanese officials, the aircraft crashed near the island of Yakushima around 2:45 pm local time. U.S. and Japanese officials say the aircraft belonged to Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo.
The Yakushima Airport Management Office said it received a call from the U.S. military requesting an emergency landing before the crash, but it was not confirmed if the call came from the Marines or Air Force.
The Osprey, a hybrid aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but can fly like an airplane, has been involved in at least five fatal crashes involving the U.S. Marines since 2012. In August, three people were killed when an Osprey with 23 Marines on board crashed in Australia during a routine training exercise.
More hostages to be released amid talks to extend cease-fire
According to multiple sources, the CIA director was meeting with Qatar’s prime minister to discuss a broader hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, expanding beyond the release of only women and children to include men and military personnel. Burns is also seeking the immediate release of an estimated eight to nine American hostages taken by Hamas.
According to the New York Times, Hamas has released a total of 85 hostages throughout the five-day cease-fire. Israel has released 180 Palestinians from its prisons.
CIA warns staff against sharing political social media posts
The CIA’s warning came after its deputy director for analysis posted an image of a man waving a Palestinian flag that has been used in various reports criticizing Israel’s role in the violence in the Middle East. A person familiar with the situation told the Financial Times, who first broke the story, that the senior analyst has not been disciplined and that they have “extensive background in all aspects of the Middle East.” adding the post was “not intended to express a position on the conflict.”
Still, this comes as there has been division in the federal government over the Biden administration’s handling of Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack, which killed 1,200 people.
Former President Jimmy Carter attends memorial service for Rosalynn Carter
Former President Jimmy Carter made a rare public appearance on Tuesday, Nov. 28, as he attended the memorial service of his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, at a church in Atlanta. Carter, who is 99, has been in hospice care since February. The former president was seen in the front row wearing a blanket draped over his legs with an image of Rosalynn stitched on it.
Dozens of political leaders were also in attendance to pay tribute, including President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, former President Bill Clinton, and former first ladies Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump.
The Carters’ marriage of 77 years was the longest of any first couple in U.S. history. The two were well known for their humanitarian work outside the White House. Rosalynn Carter died on Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 96.
In a statement, Buffett said, “Berkshire Hathaway could not have been built to its present status without Charlie’s inspiration, wisdom, and participation.”
At the age of 99, Munger also served on the boards of directors of Costco and the Daily Journal Corporation. Ahead of what would have been his 100th birthday in just a few weeks, Munger remarked on his busy schedule during a recent interview with CNBC.
“I like it that way. That’s my idea of a proper old age for me. I didn’t plan it. It just happened. When it happened, I welcomed it,” Munger said.
The wind caused the 40-foot tree near the White House to fall over and a cable to snap. At first, the National Park Service was not sure the already-decorated tree would be back up for Thursday’s, Nov. 30, lighting ceremony, saying, “The show must go on.” By Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, though, the agency said the snapped cable was replaced, and the tree was upright once again.
President Biden, the first lady, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the second gentleman are scheduled to attend the tree lighting ceremony, a holiday tradition since 1923.
Whistleblower: CIA officers were paid off to change COVID origins determination
A whistleblower is alleging that six out of seven members of the CIA’s COVID Discovery Team believed the coronavirus pandemic began in a lab but were paid off to publicly state they were uncertain. That’s according to a letter from the chairmen of the House Intelligence Committee and Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic to CIA Director William Burns.
The letter states, “According to the whistleblower, at the end of its review, six of the seven members of the Team believed the intelligence and science were sufficient to make a low confidence assessment that COVID-19 originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.”
The seventh member of the committee believed COVID-19 went from bat to human. The whistleblower said the other six members were given a “significant monetary incentive to change their position.”
The Chairmen are asking Burns for the following:
Documents and communications related to COVID Discovery Teams;
Documents and communications from the team regarding origins;
Documents and communications from the team to other employees, contractors and governments agencies; and
Information on pay history, including bonuses.
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) called for accountability and reforms to ensure something like what is alleged doesn’t happen again.
“They need to be fired first and foremost. I mean, you shouldn’t have a job with that kind of trust and responsibility if you’re going to do things like that,” Jackson told Straight Arrow News.
Jackson, a member of the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, accused employees within government agencies of making political decisions to reach the conclusion the Biden Administration wanted them to.
“It’s good for no one in this country if we have people in apolitical positions making determinations for political reasons. And we just, we have to get rid of that in our government,” Jackson said.
According to the Straight Arrow News Media Miss™ tool, this story is a Media Miss for the left. The Media Landscape indicates that while right-leaning and center outlets are covering this story, no left-leaning outlets are reporting on the topic as of press time.
SAN’s media landscape tool indicates 86% of the outlets reporting on this lean right, 14% are center, but none are considered left leaning.
Cuba makes Russian human trafficking arrests; CIA recruits Russian spies
On the same day Cuba announced the arrests of 17 people in an alleged human trafficking ring aimed at bolstering Russia’s military, the CIA renewed its push to turn some Russians into spies against their own government. The agency released a video titled “Why I made contact with the CIA – for myself” on social media Thursday, Sept. 7.
The video addresses officials in Moscow, asking them to tell the truth about a system the CIA has said is riddled with lying sycophants. In the video, an actor playing a Russian official enters a Russian government building and shows his pass above the double-headed eagle of Russia.
“Before I believed that the truth had some value… I insisted to everyone that it was unscrupulous to distort the truth in reports but those who rose through the ranks were those who did that very thing,” the voiceover said. Before detailing ways to contact the CIA, the agency added, “Those around you may not want to hear the truth. But we do… integrity has rewards.”
In July of 2023, CIA Director William Burns said disaffection among some Russians over the war in Ukraine has created a rare opportunity to recruit spies. The same dissatisfaction from Russians that the CIA is looking to utilize may have also forced Russia to participate in trafficking campaigns like the alleged one in Cuba.
Earlier in the week of Sept. 3, Cuba said its authorities were working to “neutralize and dismantle” the trafficking ring. The 17 people who were arrested are accused of luring young Cuban men to join the Russian military in its fight against Ukraine.
According to authorities, the trafficking group’s leader relied on two people living in Cuba to handle recruiting. Charges the group members are facing include:
Human trafficking.
Fighting as a mercenary.
Hostile action against a foreign state.
Potential sentences from these charges range from up to 30 years in prison to the death penalty.
Georgia grand jury report to be released: The Morning Rundown Sept. 8, 2023
The Georgia special grand jury investigating the 2020 election will release their report, and a viral internet challenge turns deadly. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Georgia special grand jury report to be released
The special grand jury report in Georgia that ultimately led to an indictment of former President Donald Trump is expected to be released Friday. The grand jury spent seven months, heard from 75 witnesses and closed their investigation in December.
Their job was to compile any recommendations regarding potential charges and give those to Georgia prosecutors. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis used report to indict former President Trump and 18 others on charges related to the 2020 presidential election in the state.
North Korea unveils nuclear-armed submarine
North Korea announced Friday it has launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine.” Leader Kim Jong Un said the submarine will be one of the main “underwater offensive means” of the North Korean Navy.
The submarine has been assigned to the fleet that patrols the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan. It has 10 launch tube hatches, most likely armed with ballistic and cruise missiles.
A former U.S. government weapons expert told Reuters the submarine won’t add much value to North Korea’s more robust, land-based nuclear forces. He said it is based on an aging submarine model that is relatively noisy, slow and has limited range.
South Korea’s military said the submarine did not appear to be read for normal operations, adding that there were signs the North was attempting to exaggerate it capabilities.
17 arrested in Cuba human trafficking ring
Cuban authorities have arrested 17 people in connection to an alleged human trafficking ring. The goal of the ring was to lure young Cuban men to fight for Russia in its war with Ukraine.
According to authorities, the group’s “internal organizer” was one of the 17 arrested. The leader relied on two people living in Cuba to handle the recruiting. Charges the group members are facing include:
Human trafficking
Fighting as a mercenary
Hostile action against a foreign state.
Potential sentences from these charges range from up to 30 years in prison to the death penalty.
Despite its close ties to Russia, Cuba has maintained that it has no part in the war in Ukraine. Cuba said it rejects the use of its citizens as mercenaries.
CIA releases Russian spy recruitment video
The CIA has renewed its push to recruit Russians to become spies against their own government. The agency posted a video in Russian on social media on Thursday, Sept. 7.
In the video, the CIA made an appeal to tell the truth about a system the agency has said is riddled with lying sycophants. In July of 2023, CIA Director William Burns said dissatisfaction from some Russians over the war had created a rare opportunity to recruit spies.
‘One Chip Challenge’ pulled from shelves after teen’s death
Paqui has pulled its “One Chip Challenge” spicy tortilla chip from store shelves. Last week, 14-year-old Harris Wolobah of Massachusetts died after taking the challenge.
Wolobah ate the chip at school, went to the nurse complaining of a stomach ache and passed out at home before being pronounced dead at the hospital. A report is pending on the official cause of death.
In a statement, the company said the chip is intended for adults only, adding that it’s “not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or who has food allergies, is pregnant or other underlying health conditions.”
One year since the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The royal family honored the late Queen Elizabeth II and her 70-year reign on the first anniversary of her death Friday. King Charles III released a statement saying he is remembering his mother’s “long life, devoted to service.”
Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death privately at Balmoral Castle. She was 96 years old.
Epstein docs reveal meetings with Noam Chomsky, more influential figures: WSJ
Jeffrey Epstein‘s personal calendar lists a number of previously unknown high-profile contacts, according to a Wall Street Journal report. These contacts include the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, a Goldman Sachs attorney, and scholar Noam Chomsky.
Epstein’s documents were obtained by the Journal and reportedly show that he had meetings planned with these influential individuals after serving prison time for soliciting prostitution involving a minor.
CIA Director William Burns was among those listed on Epstein’s calendar. In 2014, when Burns was the deputy secretary of state, he had three meetings scheduled with Epstein. A CIA spokeswoman said that Burns “did not know anything about him, other than that he was introduced as an expert in the financial services sector and offered general advice on transition to the private sector.”
Noam Chomsky, the linguist and political activist, was another contact on Epstein’s calendar. The two were scheduled to have dinner at Epstein’s home in 2015. When the Journal reached out for comment on their relationship, Chomsky responded in an email.
“First response is that it is none of your business,” Chomsky said. “Or anyone’s. Second is that I knew him and we met occasionally.”
Epstein also had meetings planned with Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel for President Obama and current attorney at Goldman Sachs. Epstein had reportedly planned for Ruemmler to join his trip to Paris in 2015 and a trip to the Caribbean in 2017. Ruemmler said that she regrets ever knowing Epstein.
Epstein was charged with sex trafficking conspiracy in 2019 and committed suicide in jail before he could go to trial.
Straight Arrow News aims to identify when stories are being underreported on either side of the political aisle and media landscape. This story is a Media Miss for left-leaning outlets, with most sources reporting it being either right-leaning or center-oriented outlets, according to Ground.News.
China increases defense budget amid US concern over Taiwan conflict
China has increased its 2023 defense budget by 7.2%. In U.S. dollars, China’s defense budget is equivalent to $230 billion, marking an increase of about $16 billion over its 2022 defense budget. Similarly, the U.S. increased its 2023 defense budget, but its defense budget totals roughly $800 billion.
China’s increase in military spending comes as tensions continue to rise between the China and the U.S. CIA Director William Burns has predicted China will invade Taiwan within four years. The U.S. has openly opposed the China-Taiwan conflict.
“We know as a matter of intelligence [Xi] has instructed the People’s Liberation Army to be ready by 2027 to conduct a successful invasion,” Burns said on Feb. 3. “Now, that does not mean that he’s decided to conduct an invasion in 2027, or any other year, but it’s a reminder of the seriousness of his focus and his ambition.”
The U.S. has also sent China a warning related to the war in Ukraine. U.S. officials told the Chinese government not to send weapons to Russia’s military. Last week, Reuters reported the U.S. was asking other allies about potential sanctions on China if the country supplies Russia with lethal weapons.
Funneling more money into its defense budget represents a challenge for China. The 7.2% increase to China’s defense budget comes as China’s overall economic growth target is 5% for the year, one of its lowest targets in decades. China posted an economic growth rate of 3% last year, one of the weakest growth figures in decades. These numbers indicate China’s defense budget is growing significantly faster than its economy. Military investments have taken a new priority for the Chinese Communist Party.