Coalition forces could remain in Afghanistan beyond a deadline for troop withdrawals due to ongoing conditions in the country that senior North American Treaty Organization (NATO) commanders say complicate plans to hand over the country’s defense to Afghan forces.

Reuters reported Sunday that four top NATO official indicated that foreign troops would remain in the country past April, which would violate an accord struck by the Trump administration and Taliban negotiators last year that calls for the removal of all coalition forces by May.

“There will be no full withdrawal by allies by April-end,” one senior NATO official told the news service.

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“Conditions have not been met,” the official continued. “And with the new U.S. administration, there will be tweaks in the policy, the sense of hasty withdrawal which was prevalent will be addressed and we could see a much more calculated exit strategy.”

A NATO spokesperson told Reuters that the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan remains “condition-based.”

“No NATO ally wants to stay in Afghanistan longer than necessary, but we have been clear that our presence remains conditions-based,” NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. “Allies continue to assess the overall situation and to consult on the way forward.”

Violence has continued in Afghanistan despite the accord, and attacks against Afghan security forces and other targets remain common. Afghanistan’s government, which the Taliban does not recognize, has accused the group of retaining ties with al Qaeda and other terror groups.

A spokesperson for the Taliban told Reuters that the group also remains committed to the peace process, even given recent attacks.

“No doubt that if the Doha deal is not implemented there will be consequences, and the blame will be upon that side which does not honor the deal,” they said. “Our expectations are also that NATO will think to end this war and avoid more excuses for prolonging the war in Afghanistan.”

Trump late last year ordered the Pentagon to reduce the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan from 4,500 to 2,500.

The FBI on Friday increased its reward to $100,000 for information on those potentially involved in planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. 

The FBI announced the new reward in a new poster shared to Twitter, up from the agency’s increase from $50,000 to $75,000 just last week. 

The FBI on Friday also shared an image of an unidentified suspect, dressed in a face mask and gray hoodie, along with pictures of the suspect’s footwear, which authorities identified as Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes in yellow, black and gray. 

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The poster added that the individual appeared to be carrying a backpack in their hand, with the agency including images of the devices found earlier this month. 

Authorities now believe that the pipe bombs were planted outside the headquarters of the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 5. 

The FBI is requesting that any information connected to the incident be reported either to the FBI’s tipline, or on the FBI’s website. Information can also be shared by contacting a local FBI field office, as well as an American Embassy or Consulate. 

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Both the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are still searching for at least one person who planted the devices.

Federal authorities have already charged more than 100 individuals in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, with investigators announcing Tuesday that they are currently looking into more than 400 potential suspects. 

Acting U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Michael Sherwin said on a call with reporters that law enforcement has received more than 200,000 tips from the public and obtained more than 500 search warrants and subpoenas.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda for her courage to fight for free elections in her country, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. 

One source said that the nomination from the Lithuanian president shows Nauseda’s support for the people fighting for free elections and democracy in Belarus. 

The nomination comes after Tsikhanouskaya was forced to flee her country and live in Lithuania after her presidential bid in Belarus. She was inspired to run for office after her husband was arrested before the elections for speaking out against Belarus’s president. 

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Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko declared victory over Tsikhanouskaya back in August, triggering mass protests throughout the country. During the upheaval, more than 30,000 demonstrators were detained, and many of the opposition leaders were forced to flee into exile. 

Many in the international community have said that the election falsely awarded Lukashenko victory, and opponents have stated that the vote was rigged and demanded that he step down. 

Tsikhanouskaya continues to call for Lukashenko to step down and release the protesters who were rounded up. The opposition leader has also called on the United States and European Union to support the Democratic movement in her country. 

Former President TrumpDonald TrumpKelli Ward rejects request for Arizona GOP race audit Gun sales on the rise amid pandemic uncertainty, Biden’s vow for gun reform Top Trump impeachment lawyer Bowers leaves team: reports MORE‘s administration in December imposed fresh sanctions on the country over the election and human rights abuses. 

“The United States continues to support international efforts to independently investigate electoral irregularities in Belarus, the human rights abuses surrounding the election, and the crackdown that has followed,” former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said at the time. “We stand with the brave people of Belarus and support their right to free and fair elections.”

Many people are allowed to nominate others for the Nobel Peace Prize, and they must do so by the end of January. The Black Lives Matter movement has also been nominated for the prize.

Federal prosecutors Friday night announced the first conspiracy charges against members of the Proud Boys over the group’s role in the deadly Jan. 6 riot in the Capitol. 

Prosecutors said in a news release that two members of the far-right “Western Chauvinist” group conspired to obstruct law enforcement officers’ efforts to protect the Capitol from the mob. The members, Dominic Pezzola of Rochester, N.Y., and William Pepe of Beacon, N.Y., had already been charged with lesser offenses from their activities on Jan. 6.

The new charges represented a substantial step up in prosecutors’ actions against Proud Boys members. More than 170 people have been charged over the riot, though most have been over minor allegations such as disorderly conduct and unlawful entry.

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Conspiracy charges were also previously announced against three members of the militia group the Oath Keepers over their alleged role in the chaos on Capitol Hill.

Prosecutors said Pezzola and Pepe “engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct, influence, impede, and interfere with law enforcement officers engaged in their official duties in protecting the U.S. Capitol and its grounds on Jan. 6, 2021.” 

“It is alleged that Pezzola and Pepe took actions to evade and render ineffective the protective equipment deployed by Capitol Police in active riot control measures, including actions to remove temporary metal barricades erected by the Capitol Police for the purpose of controlling access to the Capitol Grounds, and the stealing and purloining of property belonging to Capitol Police,” the Justice Department said in the press release.

Pezzola is also said to have ripped away a Capitol Police officer riot shield while the officer was trying to push back the rioters. Files retrieved when FBI agents raided his home indicated he had been examining “Advanced Improvised Explosives,” “Explosive Dusts” and “Ragnar’s Big Book of Homemade Weapons.”

Michael Scibetta, Pezzola’s lawyer, told The New York Times Friday night that he had not yet seen the new conspiracy charges and that he was being barred from seeing his client.

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“The matter is evolving,” Scibetta said.

The Proud Boys, a group known to espouse racist views, gained national prominence after videos circulated of members engaging in violent street fights with members of Antifa, the loose collection of anti-fascist agitators. Their profile only grew when former President TrumpDonald TrumpPalm Beach reviewing Trump’s residency at Mar-a-Lago Immigration reform can’t wait On The Money: Five questions about the GameStop controversy | Biden, Yellen call for swift action on new aid MORE declined to explicitly condemn them at a presidential debate, saying “stand back and stand by,” a remark the group interpreted as one of support.

They’ve drawn the scrutiny of prosecutors after videos showed members attended the riots that led to the deaths of several people.

At least four other members of the Proud Boys have been charged thus far over the insurrection, which unsuccessfully sought to stop Congress’s certification of the Electoral College results showing Trump losing to now-President Biden.

The Senate Commerce Committee advanced President Biden’s pick to lead the Transportation Department, Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegOn The Money: Reddit traders cause Wall Street havoc | Powell: Inflation fears should not impede more coronavirus aid | NJ lawmakers press for SALT cap repeal in next relief package Senate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote Biden’s Cabinet gradually confirmed by Senate MORE, with a broad bipartisan vote.

The committee voted 21-3 to advance Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., who ran against Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. Buttigieg would make history as the first openly gay Cabinet member confirmed by the Senate, if he wins approval.

Republican Sens. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzGOP congressman demands Ocasio-Cortez apologize following Twitter exchange with Cruz On The Money: Economy shrank 3.5 percent in 2020 | Lawmakers rip Robinhood’s decision on GameStop | Budget rules, politics threaten per hour minimum wage Lawmakers rip Robinhood’s decision on GameStop MORE (Texas), Marsha BlackburnMarsha BlackburnSenate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote Senate committee advances Biden’s DHS pick despite Republican pushback The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden takes office, calls for end to ‘uncivil war’ MORE (Tenn.) and Rick Scott (Fla.) were the three votes against advancing Buttigieg’s nomination. Buttigieg’s nomination now advances to a full Senate vote, which has not been scheduled yet.

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Sen. Maria CantwellMaria Elaine CantwellSenate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote Senators vet Buttigieg to run Transportation Department Hillicon Valley: Texas, other states bring antitrust lawsuit against Google | Krebs emphasizes security of the election as senators butt heads | Twitter cracks down on coronavirus vaccine misinformation MORE (D-Wash.) touted Buttigieg’s experience before the vote, pointing to what was discussed when the committee vetted the former mayor last week.

She said she will ask Buttigieg, once confirmed, about prioritizing getting the COVID-19 vaccine to transportation infrastructure workers.

Sen. Roger WickerRoger Frederick WickerKaine eyes next week to file censure aiming to bar Trump from future office Trump censure faces tough odds in Senate Senate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote MORE (R-Miss.) said before the vote that he expected support for Buttigieg to be bipartisan, noting the “generous endorsement” he received from GOP Sen. Todd YoungTodd Christopher YoungSenate panel advances Buttigieg nomination in 21-3 vote Trump, allies raise pressure on Senate GOP ahead of impeachment Moderates vow to ‘be a force’ under Biden MORE, who represents his home state of Indiana. 

The Senate has already confirmed four nominees to Biden’s Cabinet — Director of National Intelligence Avril HainesAvril HainesWhy the double standard on human rights with Saudi Arabia and Iran? White House lays groundwork for international approach on climate change Senate GOP slow walking Biden’s pick to lead DHS MORE, Defense Secretary Lloyd AustinLloyd AustinOvernight Defense: FEMA asks Pentagon to help with vaccinations | US says Taliban has ‘not met their commitments’ | Army investigating Fort Hood chaplain Pentagon: Taliban has ‘not met their commitments’ under withdrawal deal Lloyd Austin has to back nuclear modernization for the free world MORE, Treasury Secretary Janet YellenJanet Louise YellenProgressives urge Biden to back recurring direct payments Economy shrank 3.5 percent in 2020 The Hill’s Morning Report – Dems question trial; January becomes deadliest pandemic month MORE and Secretary of State Antony BlinkenAntony BlinkenOvernight Defense: FEMA asks Pentagon to help with vaccinations | US says Taliban has ‘not met their commitments’ | Army investigating Fort Hood chaplain Pentagon: Taliban has ‘not met their commitments’ under withdrawal deal White House outraged at decision to release man convicted in Daniel Pearl murder MORE.

Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenOn The Money: Five questions about the GameStop controversy | Biden, Yellen call for swift action on new aid Warren calls on SEC to crackdown on market manipulation, explain GameStop rally The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Which path will Democrats take on COVID-19 bill? MORE (D-Mass.) on Friday called on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to explain how it will address the wild swings in stock prices and whether recent rallies for GameStop and other stocks are the result of market manipulation.

Warren said in a letter that it is “long beyond time for the SEC” to crack down on dangerously speculative stock trades and get to the bottom of this week’s surge in stocks targeted by online traders.

“These wild fluctuations are just the latest indication that many private equity firms, hedge funds, and other investors, big and small, are treating the stock market like a casino, giving little consideration to the companies, communities, workers, and consumers that may be affected by these risky bets,” she wrote.

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“The recent chaos reveals a clear distortion in securities markets, with benefits accruing to investors that do not clearly benefit the company’s workers, consumers, or the broader economy.”

Warren called on the SEC to investigate several aspects of the recent rallies in GameStop, AMC Entertainment, Tootsie Roll, BlackBerry and other companies that were heavily shorted by hedge funds. These stocks are among several targeted by members of Reddit forum r/WallStreetBets, as well as traders inspired by them.

The SEC said earlier Friday that it will investigate why certain online trading platforms blocked users from purchasing highly volatile stocks and if illegal market manipulation spurred the recent surge.

While defenders of the Reddit traders have pitched the rallies as a David and Goliath battle against the Wall Street elite, Warren and other advocates for stricter financial rules have expressed deep concerns about the potential implications and who is truly behind the rally.

“The Commission must review recent market activity affecting GameStop and other companies, and act to ensure that markets reflect real value, rather than the highly leveraged bets of wealthy traders or those who seek to inflict financial damage on those traders,” she wrote.

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“To protect and restore public trust in sound securities regulation and enforcement, the Commission must identify gaps in existing securities laws and rules and ways in which the Commission can improve its enforcement capabilities.”

Warren asked the SEC to explain why GameStop shares rallied, if the surge was in response to GameStop’s fundamental value, how much impact short sales and Reddit users had on the surge and whether the increases posed systemic risks to financial markets.

She also asked the SEC to outline how it plans update and implement new rules to define market manipulation.

New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) in a statement Thursday said her office was “reviewing” trading on the Robinhood app relating to GameStop stock.

“We are aware of concerns raised regarding activity on the Robinhood app, including trading related to the GameStop stock,” James said. “We are reviewing this matter.”

The stock trading app announced Thursday it would block the purchase of stocks made popular on Reddit, including BlackBerry, AMC and GameStop. Users of the r/WallStreetBets subreddit began collaborating to drive up the price of the stocks to counter short-selling by hedge funds. A class-action lawsuit was filed against Robinhood shortly after.

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The move drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans who said it represented a different standard for independent traders as compared to established hedge funds.

“People on Wall Street only care about the rules when they’re the ones getting hurt. American workers have known for years the Wall Street system is broken – they’ve been paying the price,” incoming Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod BrownSherrod Campbell BrownNew York attorney general’s office ‘actively reviewing’ Robinhood activity Lawmakers rip Robinhood’s decision on GameStop Hillicon Valley: Robinhood restricts trading of companies targeted by Reddit users | Facebook reverses some decisions on removed posts | Lawmakers introduce bill to massively increase mail-in voting MORE (D-Ohio) said in a statement. “It’s time for the SEC and Congress to make the economy work for everyone, not just Wall Street.”

“We now need to know more about @RobinhoodApp’s decision to block retail investors from purchasing stock while hedge funds are freely able to trade the stock as they see fit,” tweeted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezGOP congressman demands Ocasio-Cortez apologize following Twitter exchange with Cruz New York attorney general’s office ‘actively reviewing’ Robinhood activity On The Money: Economy shrank 3.5 percent in 2020 | Lawmakers rip Robinhood’s decision on GameStop | Budget rules, politics threaten per hour minimum wage MORE (D-N.Y.).

Sen. Pat ToomeyPatrick (Pat) Joseph ToomeyGovernment used Patriot Act to gather website visitor logs in 2019 Appeals court rules NSA’s bulk phone data collection illegal Dunford withdraws from consideration to chair coronavirus oversight panel MORE (R-Pa.) called Robinhood’s move “disturbing,” tweeting “retail investors should be free to purchase even highly-speculative stocks, just as hedge funds should be free to short them.”

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official said Tuesday that restrictions requiring travelers to test negative for COVID-19 before flying domestically in the U.S. are being seriously considered.

Reuters reported that the head of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine said on a call with reporters that the agency is “actively looking” at tightening restrictions amid new variants of the COVID-19 virus spreading in parts of the world and now being reported in the U.S.

There are “conversations that are ongoing and looking at what the types and locations of testing might be,” said Marty Cetron, according to the news service. “We’re actively looking at it.”

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The U.S. on Tuesday implemented a policy requiring international travelers to test negative for COVID-19 before arriving in the U.S. There are no current nationwide restrictions on domestic travel, though the CDC has advised for months that nonessential travel be avoided. Some localities, including Washington, D.C., require travelers to test negative before arriving.

“Testing does not eliminate all risk,” said CDC Director Robert RedfieldRobert RedfieldFauci defends Birx: ‘She had to live in the White House’ US considering mandatory COVID-19 tests for domestic flyers, CDC official says CDC gets a second opinion: Seven steps to heal our COVID-19 response MORE last week. “But when combined with a period of staying at home and everyday precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer, healthier, and more responsible by reducing spread on planes, in airports, and at destinations.”

The U.S. remains a hot spot for COVID-19, with the most cases of any other country. More than 26 million cases have been reported across the nation as well as 425,000 related deaths.

The U.S.-led military coalition killed the top ISIS leader in Iraq this week in an airstrike intended to beat back a resurging terror campaign after a double suicide bombing in Baghdad this month.

The coalition announced on Friday that Jabbar Salman Ali Farhan al-Issawi, 43, known as Abu Yasser, was killed Wednesday in a joint mission with U.S. and Iraqi forces.

His “death is another significant blow to Daesh resurgence efforts in Iraq,” said coalition spokesman Wayne Marotto, referring to the group by its Arabic acronym.

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“The Coalition will continue to remove key leaders from the battlefield and degrade the terrorist organization. Terrorists-you will never live in peace- you will be pursued to the ends of the earth,” he added. 

“We promised and fulfilled. I gave my word to pursue Daesh terrorists, we gave them a thundering response. Our heroic armed forces have eliminated Daesh commander Abu Yaser Al-Issawi as part of an intelligence-led operation,” added Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

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While ISIS no longer holds a defined swath of territory in Iraq, it still is known to operate in the country. In an ominous reminder of the lingering danger the group poses, ISIS claimed responsibility for the double suicide bombing that killed 32 people in Baghdad last week, the deadliest strike to hit the Iraqi capital in four years.

Al-Issawi is believed to have coordinated ISIS’s operations in Iraq and relayed guidance to the group’s fighters across the country.

Coalition forces are still fighting against ISIS soldiers in Iraq, though the whereabouts of the group’s top leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, are still unknown. Al-Qurayshi was named ISIS’s caliph following the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi during a U.S.-led raid in Syria in 2019.

ISIS once controlled about a third of Iraqi territory at its height and had declared the city of Mosul to be the capital of its “caliphate.” However, its last stronghold in Baghuz, Syria was taken from the group two years ago following a sustained campaign. 

The U.S. still has about 2,500 troops left on three Iraqi military bases, though questions regarding how strong of a force is needed to keep ISIS at bay has complicated plans for a full withdrawal.

Welcome to Hillicon Valley, The Hill’s newsletter detailing all you need to know about the tech and cyber news from Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley. If you don’t already, be sure to sign up for our newsletter with this LINK.

Welcome! Follow our cyber reporter, Maggie Miller (@magmill95), and tech team, Chris Mills Rodrigo (@chrisismills) and Rebecca Klar (@rebeccaklar_), for more coverage.

 

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SEC TO INVESTIGATE: The impact of the skyrocketing shares of GameStop fueled by online discussions on Reddit continued to snowball on Friday, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) saying it will investigate why certain online trading platforms blocked users from purchasing highly volatile stocks and if illegal market manipulation spurred the recent surge in stocks such as GameStop.

In a statement, the agency said it was “closely monitoring and evaluating the extreme price volatility of certain stocks’ trading prices over the past several days” and would “review actions taken by regulated entities that may disadvantage investors or otherwise unduly inhibit their ability to trade certain securities.”

Read more about the SEC’s announcement here. 

REMOVING REVIEWS: In response to Robinhood’s decision decision to block users from buying or trading stocks that were popular on a Reddit subforum, users on Reddit pushed for a campaign to leave one-star reviews of the app leading to an influx of negative reviews of the it in the Google Play store. 

Google removed at least 100,000 negative reviews of the app from its store, The Verge and Gizmodo reported. 

A spokesperson for Google confirmed to The Hill that the company took action on reviews found to be inauthentic or in violation of the company’s policy. 

Read more here. 

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LAWYERING UP: Amid mounting scrutiny over the decision to stop trading GameStop and other companies whose stock skyrocketed this week, Robinhood is hiring to bulk up its lobbying portfolio. 

Robinhood posted a job listing for an in-house lobbyist on Friday.

The day-to-day description for the federal affairs manager role prioritized working on federal government relations with a primary focus on Congress, as well as facilitating participation in industry associations and navigating policy. 

Read more here. 

 

IT’S HAPPENED BEFORE: A group of Democratic lawmakers led by Sens. Ron WydenRonald (Ron) Lee WydenHillicon Valley: Fallout from Reddit-driven stock rallies, GameStop purchase ban continues | Lawmakers grill NSA on years-old breach in the wake of massive Russian hack | Facebook reportedly considering antitrust lawsuit against Apple Lawmakers grill NSA on years-old breach in the wake of massive Russian hack Lawmakers offer bill to repeal cap on SALT deduction MORE (D-Ore.) and Cory BookerCory BookerHillicon Valley: Fallout from Reddit-driven stock rallies, GameStop purchase ban continues | Lawmakers grill NSA on years-old breach in the wake of massive Russian hack | Facebook reportedly considering antitrust lawsuit against Apple Lawmakers grill NSA on years-old breach in the wake of massive Russian hack New sitcom follows ‘The Rock’ as he runs for president in 2032 MORE (D-N.J.) this week grilled the National Security Agency (NSA) over its investigation into a years-old breach that bears striking similarities to the recent hack of IT group SolarWinds. 

The lawmakers, including a group of House Democrats, sent a letter to the NSA asking questions around the Juniper Networks breach, first discovered in 2015, that involved hackers infiltrating an NSA algorithm used by the company to send malicious code to customers in software updates.

The incident is similar to the SolarWinds breach, with federal authorities believing that Russian hackers infiltrated software updates from the company to gain access to up to 18,000 customers for over a year. These customers included the Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and Treasury departments, among other federal agencies.

Read more here.

 

FACEBOOK VS. APPLE: Facebook is reportedly considering a lawsuit against Apple as tensions escalate between the two Silicon Valley Giants. 

Facebook has been preparing an antitrust lawsuit against Apple that would allege the company abused its market power by forcing app developers to follow App Store rules that Apple’s own apps do not have to follow, The Information first reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources. The New York Times also reported that Facebook is contemplating the lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Facebook said the company will not comment on “suit speculation,” but doubled down on accusations that Apple is behaving anti-competitively amid the impending launch of the app tracking feature. 

The CEOs of the two companies ramped up attacks leveled against each other this week, focused largely on Apple’s impending launch of an App Tracking Transparency feature that will limit the reach of targeted ads.

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Read more here. 

 

FACEBOOK’S NEW AD TOOL: Facebook is developing a feature that will let advertisers select topics to avoid having their ads appear next to on the platform’s News Feed. 

The new “topic exclusion controls” will be tested with a small group of advertisers in the early stages, Facebook said in a Friday announcement. 

“These controls will help to address concerns advertisers have of their ads appearing in News Feed next to certain topics based on their brand suitability preferences,” Facebook said.

Read more here. 

 

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EXPANDING GREEN TECH: Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle Thursday said the U.S. is in a strong position to use technology to help protect the environment, and highlighted the domestic and international opportunities for the industry.

“To use the knowledge we have, the tools that we have to advance our humanity in a way in which we protect our planet, we provide opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, background or station of life … to be able to grab hold of an economy that will expand and be sustainable for generations to come,” Rep. Yvette ClarkeYvette Diane ClarkeHillicon Valley: Fallout from Reddit-driven stock rallies, GameStop purchase ban continues | Lawmakers grill NSA on years-old breach in the wake of massive Russian hack | Facebook reportedly considering antitrust lawsuit against Apple Lawmakers grill NSA on years-old breach in the wake of massive Russian hack Lawmakers call for expanding green technology MORE (D-N.Y.) said at The Hill’s “Responsible Innovation: Protecting Our Planet with Technology” event.

Read more here. 

 

Lighter click:  The other Robin Hood

An op-ed to chew on: Six priorities to revitalize national intelligence

 

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NOTABLE LINKS FROM AROUND THE WEB: 

Keith Gill drove the GameStop Reddit mania (The Wall Street Journal / Julia-Ambra Verlaine and Gunjan Banerji)

Trump taught teachers conspiracy theories. Now they’re teaching them to students. (BuzzFeed News / Julia Reinstein)

The misfits shaking Wall Street (The New York Times / Taylor Lorenz and Mike Isaac)