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Rep. Diana Harshbarger Introduces Bill to End Federal Ban on Home Distillation of Spirits

Rep. Diana Harshbarger Introduces Bill to End Federal Ban on Home Distillation of Spirits

U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger, a Republican from Tennessee, has introduced the “Freedom to Home Distill Act.” This proposed legislation aims to legalize the home distillation of spirits for personal use, effectively ending a federal prohibition that her office states predates Prohibition. The bill outlines specific limits: a one-adult household could produce up to 10 proof gallons annually, while households with two or more adults aged 21 and older could make up to 20 proof gallons per year. Commercial sales of home-distilled spirits would remain prohibited. The measure also seeks to exempt qualifying home stills from federal registration requirements, provided they meet proposed safety standards and have a capacity of no more than 50 gallons. Representatives Tim Burchett (R-Tennessee) and Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) have joined Harshbarger as original cosponsors of the bill. The legislation would only affect federal law, leaving states with the authority to regulate or ban home distillation with...
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Report Reveals Maryland Workers Lose Billions Annually Due to Criminal Records

Report Reveals Maryland Workers Lose Billions Annually Due to Criminal Records

A new report by the Clean Slate Initiative indicates that Maryland workers lose an estimated $6.1 billion annually due to the economic consequences of criminal records, even if they were never convicted. This loss is attributed to lower employment rates, fewer workweeks, and wage disparities compared to individuals without records. The report breaks down the annual income loss: $88 million from arrest records or charges without conviction, $71 million from misdemeanor convictions, $2.86 billion from nonviolent felony convictions, and $1.55 billion from violent felony convictions. Nationally, 70 million to 100 million individuals face economic repercussions from arrest or conviction records. In Maryland, 22% of adults had a record in 2019. The report also highlights that criminal records exacerbate racial and gender earnings disparities, with Black individuals and women disproportionately affected.
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Eni Denies Request for Increased Libyan Gas Supplies to Italy, Citing Falsified Document

Eni Denies Request for Increased Libyan Gas Supplies to Italy, Citing Falsified Document

Italian energy company Eni has refuted reports claiming it requested a 20% increase in natural gas supplies from Libya to Italy. Eni issued a statement to The Libya Observer, clarifying that the alleged letter, which formed the basis of these reports, is a falsified document. The company confirmed it has not submitted any such request to Mellitah Oil & Gas Company or any other Libyan entity. Furthermore, Eni stated that the individual named in the purported letter as one of its managers is not an employee and holds no position within the company. Eni also highlighted that the information regarding the amount of gas exported from Libya, as presented in the document, was incorrect. Fawasel Media, the initial source that cited the alleged letter, has since retracted its report. Eni directed inquiries to a statement from Libya’s National Oil Corporation for an accurate representation of the current gas supply situation.
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Poet Nikky Finney Appointed 2026-2027 Writer-in-Residence at Prairie View A University

Poet Nikky Finney Appointed 2026-2027 Writer-in-Residence at Prairie View A University

Award-winning poet and social justice advocate Nikky Finney has been named Prairie View A&M University's (PVAMU) Toni Morrison Writing Program's Writer-in-Residence for the 2026-2027 academic year. This appointment coincides with the university's sesquicentennial celebration. Finney, who received the 2011 National Book Award for Poetry for 'Head Off & Split,' brings extensive experience as a writer, educator, and mentor to the campus. Her work frequently explores themes of Black history, memory, culture, resilience, and social justice. The Toni Morrison Writing Program, established in 2021, aims to enhance students' critical thinking, reading, and writing skills by pairing them with acclaimed authors for mentorship, master classes, and manuscript feedback. Finney's residency will be integrated into various university celebrations, including the Founders' Day and Honors Recognition Convocation in March 2027.
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U.S. Critical Minerals Proposals to Brazil Unanswered Amid China's Influence

U.S. Critical Minerals Proposals to Brazil Unanswered Amid China's Influence

Brazil has not responded to two proposals from the United States aimed at formalizing cooperation on critical minerals, according to Matthew Lowe, economic counselor at the U.S. embassy in Brasilia. The U.S. invited Brazil to join the Minerals Security Partnership, a U.S.-led initiative coordinating investment in mineral supply chains, years ago, but received no response. A draft framework agreement sent in February also went unanswered. This lack of engagement leaves the U.S. without a bilateral deal with Brazil as it seeks to build rare earth supply chains independent of China. Brazil holds the world's second-largest reserves of rare earths after China, making it a crucial potential partner for the U.S. in securing these vital resources. The U.S. embassy is now pursuing agreements at the state level, though these efforts have faced scrutiny regarding the authority of state governors to strike mineral deals with foreign powers.
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Representative Kevin Mullin Leads Congressional Effort to Prevent National Archives Closures

Representative Kevin Mullin Leads Congressional Effort to Prevent National Archives Closures

U.S. Representative Kevin Mullin, alongside Representative Judy Chu and 35 other members of Congress, is spearheading an initiative to prevent the closure of National Archives facilities in San Bruno, California, and Chicago, Illinois. This bipartisan group has sent a delegation letter and is introducing a bill that would mandate Congressional approval for any future moves or closures by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The proposed legislation aims to amend the U.S. Code to require this oversight, ensuring that decisions regarding these vital historical repositories are not made without legislative consent. The effort comes as NARA has announced plans to close these facilities, prompting significant public and congressional opposition. A press conference was held at the NARA San Bruno facility, attended by approximately 100 individuals, to highlight the importance of these archives and the community's desire to keep them open. The 'Save Our National Archives' (SONA) organization ha...
Warriors Wire Warriors Wire
Warriors land Alabama's Amari Allen in BR's 'way-too-early' 2027 mock draft

Warriors land Alabama's Amari Allen in BR's 'way-too-early' 2027 mock draft

In Bleacher Report's "way-too-early" mock draft for 2027, the Warriors landed Alabama shooter Amari Allen in the first round.
SB Nation SB Nation
Yankees stoop to Angels’ level, suffer blowout loss in Anaheim

Yankees stoop to Angels’ level, suffer blowout loss in Anaheim

The Yankees beat themselves in a series opener to forget.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati had a stormy summer. Is it one of the rainiest ever?

Cincinnati had a stormy summer. Is it one of the rainiest ever?

It feels like it's rained a lot this summer in Greater Cincinnati, but is this actually the rainiest summer the region has had recently? Not quite.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
The winner of Cincinnati's Cutest Pet is ...

The winner of Cincinnati's Cutest Pet is ...

What's orange and round and ready for fall!? It's the winner of Cincinnati's Cutest Pet!
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
'I just love them all.' Bailey Bacher balances 5 sports at Lakota East

'I just love them all.' Bailey Bacher balances 5 sports at Lakota East

Lakota East's Bailey Bacher is on track to finish with 18 varsity letters by the time her high school career is over.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Loved ones mourn Milton Hinton, man of 'reciprocity, responsibility'

Loved ones mourn Milton Hinton, man of 'reciprocity, responsibility'

Civil Rights leader, professor, and former president of the NAACP Cincinnati Branch Milton Hinton dies at 99. Family and friends remember his heart.
SB Nation SB Nation
Southwest division watch: Did Wemby just pull a Duncan?

Southwest division watch: Did Wemby just pull a Duncan?

Wemby left tens of millions on the table to keep San Antonio’s Finals core intact but the bill hasn’t arrived just yet.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Visit Enquirer education reporter at September public office hours

Visit Enquirer education reporter at September public office hours

The Enquirer's education reporter Grace Tucker hopes to meet you at her office hours on Sept. 11 and Sept. 25.
Cowboys Wire Cowboys Wire
Who is Emari Demercado? Getting to know the Cowboys new running back

Who is Emari Demercado? Getting to know the Cowboys new running back

The Dallas Cowboys were awarded running back Emari Demercado after claiming the former TCU playmaker following his release from the Chiefs
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Is pumpkin spice over? New fall coffee trends take over cafe menus

Is pumpkin spice over? New fall coffee trends take over cafe menus

Pumpkin spice is still a classic, but new flavors like matcha and banana bread are gaining popularity this fall.
Reuters Reuters
Massachusetts primaries test Democratic appetite for generational change

Massachusetts primaries test Democratic appetite for generational change

By Nolan D. McCaskill WASHINGTON, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Generational change is on the ballot in Massachusetts on Tuesday as Democratic voters choose whether to renominate 80-year-old progressive U.S. Senator Ed Markey or replace him on the ballot with 47-year-old U.S. Representative Seth Moulton.
Cardinals Wire Cardinals Wire
Arizona Cardinals bring back 14 players to their practice squad

Arizona Cardinals bring back 14 players to their practice squad

After the Cardinals cut 34 players, they brought 14 back to their practice squad. Three vacancies remain.
Sixers Wire Sixers Wire
Sixers' Jaylen Brown discusses workout with LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey

Sixers' Jaylen Brown discusses workout with LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey

Philadelphia 76ers star Jaylen Brown discusses the workout he had with new teammates LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey.
Sixers Wire Sixers Wire
Former Sixers big man Dikembe Mutombo ranked No. 20 center in history

Former Sixers big man Dikembe Mutombo ranked No. 20 center in history

Former Philadelphia 76ers great Dikembe Mutombo comes in ranked as the No. 20 center in the history of the NBA.