FBI informant jailed for Biden bribe claim released on medical furlough: lawyer

The FBI informant who sparked controversy by alleging that Joe and Hunter Biden took $10 million in bribes has been released from prison on medical furlough, his attorney told The Post.

Alexander Smirnov pleaded guilty in December and received a six-year prison sentence for fabricating the story about the then-US president, as well as a separate charge of tax evasion.

“Since Mr. Smirnov’s arrest, he has required crucial eye surgery which was denied to him for an extended period of time, which only exacerbated an already serious condition,” his lawyer David Chesnoff said. “We appreciate the Bureau of Prisons recognizing the incredibly serious nature of his condition and agreeing to allow him to receive the necessary and lengthy procedures he is receiving.”

Smirnov, 45, had been incarcerated at a federal facility in Los Angeles. Chesnoff did not share his precise release date.

A federal judge refused to free Smirnov in May, citing flight risk concerns, despite his legal team’s claims that he is now legally blind.

Smirnov’s tip about the Bidens involved the Ukraine-based energy company Burisma, which paid Hunter Biden a salary of up to $1 million to serve on its board. This occurred while Joe Biden, then Vice President, led the Obama administration’s policy toward Kyiv.

The allegation, brought to light by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ultimately undermined the House Republican case to impeach then-President Biden for his numerous documented interactions with his son Hunter and brother James Biden’s foreign patrons in countries including China, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine.

Health-related releases from prison typically last 30 days but can be extended. Lawyers for Smirnov intend to continue seeking medical furloughs.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/07/us-news/fbi-informant-jailed-for-biden-bribe-claim-released-on-medical-furlough-lawyer/

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont to seek third term in 2026

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont filed the necessary paperwork on Friday to seek a third term in 2026. The Democrat, who has been asked by reporters for months about whether he will run again, said a formal announcement will likely be made next week.

“Yeah, Susan and I are ready to go,” he said during an event about affordable housing, referring to Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. “I didn’t want you to have to ask me any longer.”

Lamont’s candidate registration form was filed Friday afternoon with the State Elections Enforcement Commission.

Lamont, 71, a wealthy former cable entrepreneur, has developed a reputation as a fiscal moderate. He has signed a major tax cut and worked to pay down unfunded state pension liabilities. Additionally, he has supported access to abortion through safe harbor laws and advocated for greater protections for immigrants.

Notably, Lamont was one of two Democratic governors who attended President Donald Trump’s inauguration. He has carefully chosen which issues to criticize the Republican on, a tactic that has drawn complaints from more liberal Democrats in Connecticut. Some critics have also taken issue with his budgeting approach, deeming it too conservative.

No Connecticut governor has served three consecutive terms in modern times. Former Republican Gov. John G. Rowland was elected to a third consecutive term in November 2002 but resigned in 2004 amid a corruption scandal.
https://whdh.com/news/connecticut-gov-ned-lamont-to-seek-third-term-in-2026/

Lawmakers Call to Pass ‘PELOSI Act’ Banning Congressional Stock Trading in Honor of Nancy Pelosi’s Retirement

**Lawmakers Call for Passage of PELOSI Act to Ban Congressional Stock Trading Following Nancy Pelosi’s Retirement**

*Breitbart | November 6, 2025 | Sean Moran*

On Thursday, lawmakers renewed calls for the passage of the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act in honor of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) recent retirement.

Senator Josh Hawley commented to reporters, “She’ll be the opportunity to finally ban stock trading by members of Congress. Nobody made more, I think, than her.”

In April, Hawley reintroduced the PELOSI Act, which aims to prohibit lawmakers and their spouses from purchasing or selling individual stocks. The proposed legislation seeks to eliminate conflicts of interest and promote transparency within Congress.

**Topics:** Crime/Corruption, Government, Political Humor/Cartoons, US: California
**Keywords:** Hawley, insider trading, Pelosi, PELOSI Act

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https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4351318/posts

Ravens’ Lamar Jackson Set for NFL Feat Only Done by Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes

The Baltimore Ravens appear to be their old selves again, currently riding a two-game win streak. Lamar Jackson made a spectacular return, tossing four touchdowns, and now the star quarterback is on the verge of achieving an NFL feat accomplished only by Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes.

Jackson has been one of the most accurate passers in the league throughout his young career. He currently holds the best all-time passer rating with a total of 103.5, putting him ahead of Rodgers, who ranks second with a career passer rating of 102.6. Considering Rodgers has played more than twice as many seasons as Jackson, this is a remarkable accomplishment. Mahomes holds the third spot with a passer rating of 101.8.

Passer rating is a crucial metric that highlights a quarterback’s accuracy and their ability to throw touchdowns without costly turnovers. What sets Rodgers and Mahomes apart is that both have maintained a passer rating over 100.0 in their first 100 career starts—a significant NFL milestone.

Jackson is closing in on this feat. With his 100th start coming up on Sunday, he has the opportunity to join Rodgers and Mahomes if he can keep his passer rating above 100.0. According to NFL Media, “Jackson can become the third quarterback all-time with a passer rating of 100-or-higher in his first 100 career starts, joining Aaron Rodgers (107.3 passer rating) and Patrick Mahomes (103.0).”

Currently, Jackson stands at 99 starts with an impressive 103.5 passer rating. If he maintains this level of performance against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, he will add another prestigious NFL record to his growing list.

Jackson has worked hard to prove that he is far more than just a “running back,” a label often attached to him early in his career. His dual-threat ability to throw downfield effectively while also being a dynamic runner has already earned him two MVP awards.

Although the Ravens hold a 3-5 record, their recent surge in confidence could help them shake off their early-season struggles and make a strong push moving forward. Fans will be watching closely as Lamar Jackson continues to redefine what it means to be an elite quarterback in the NFL.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/ravens-lamar-jackson-nfl-feat-aaron-rodgers-patrick-mahomes-11013385

Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator Greetings, and welcome to the Main Street Capital Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call.

[Operator Instructions]

As a reminder, this conference is being recorded.

It is now my pleasure to introduce your host, Zach Vaughan. Thank you. You may begin.

**Zach Vaughan
Dennard Lascar Associates, LLC**

Thank you, operator, and good morning, everyone.

Thank you for joining us for Main Street Capital Corporation’s Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call.

Joining me today with prepared comments are:
– Dwayne Hyzak, Chief Executive Officer
– David Magdol, President and Chief Investment Officer
– Ryan Nelson, Chief Financial Officer

Also participating in the Q&A portion of the call is Nick Meserve, Managing Director and Head of Main Street’s Private Credit Investment Group.

Main Street issued a press release yesterday afternoon detailing the company’s third quarter financial and operating results. This document is available on the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at [mainstcapital.com](https://mainstcapital.com).

A replay of today’s call will be available beginning an hour after the completion of the call and will remain available until November 14. Information on how to access the replay was included in yesterday’s release.

We also advise you that this conference call is being broadcast live through the Internet and can be accessed on the company’s homepage.

Please note that information reported on this call speaks only as of today, November 7, 2025, and therefore, you are advised that time-sensitive information may change.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4840374-main-street-capital-corporation-main-q3-2025-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed_all_articles

IN PICS: Jets TE Mason Taylor’s GF Sage Wagner recaps “sweet” October showcasing stylish outfits in latest IG dump

New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor has faced a challenging rookie season.

Despite showing promise and potential on the field, Taylor’s development has been overshadowed by the team’s struggles.

Currently, the New York Jets hold a tough record of 1-7, making it a difficult environment for the young tight end to shine.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Mason Taylor continues to grow and contribute to the team’s efforts.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-in-pics-jets-te-mason-taylor-s-gf-sage-wagner-recaps-sweet-october-showcasing-stylish-outfits-latest-ig-dump

When the Safety Net Tears: SNAP Suspension Puts Alabama Families, Children, and Child Care at Risk

On October 27, 2025, the Alabama Department of Human Resources framework—though never fully enacted—was designed to address exactly these vulnerabilities by creating a unified approach to family support. This approach aimed to connect affordable child care, nutrition, and workforce participation.

The current crisis underscores why those policies, or state-level equivalents, remain urgently needed. As Alabama families brace for a difficult November, local advocates and organizations are stepping up to fill the gap. But stopgaps aren’t solutions.

The long-term answer lies in stable, equitable public investment that ensures essential supports like food and child care are not used as bargaining chips during political stalemates. Families should never have to choose between feeding their children and keeping them in care. Likewise, educators shouldn’t have to shoulder the emotional and financial strain of a system that doesn’t prioritize them.

Families affected by the SNAP suspension are not alone. If you are looking for help, contact your local Feeding Alabama food bank at [feedingalabama.org](https://feedingalabama.org) for immediate food support. You can also call or text 2-1-1, call 1-888-421-1266, or visit [211connectsalabama.org](https://211connectsalabama.org) to find a multitude of services available in your community.

To ensure your benefits resume quickly, continue all SNAP recertifications and reporting requirements through [dhr.alabama.gov](https://dhr.alabama.gov). Additionally, reach out to local child care providers and community resource centers for further assistance or referrals.

For information on local food pantries, call 1-800-5HUNGRY (1-800-548-6479).

This moment is a reminder of how interconnected our systems truly are. When food assistance stops, hunger grows, and so does the strain on child care, health, and hope.

As a state and as a nation, we must choose to build a safety net that holds.

*Lenice Emanuel is the Executive Director of the Alabama Institute for Social Justice (AISJ) and founder of The Alabama Movement for Child Care (TAMCC).*

**SEE ALSO:**
Drama Surrounding SNAP Benefits Should Mark The End Of MAGA
If SNAP Benefits Get Cut Off, White Grievance Will Eat Itself
https://newsone.com/6593762/snap-suspension-puts-families-children-childcare-risk/

India emerges as a cornerstone of Celonis’ process intelligence growth

Intelligent solutions providers are discovering new competitive advantages by delivering value well beyond their local markets. For Celonis SE, this strategy has involved expanding efforts to nurture innovation hubs, particularly in emerging, high-potential markets such as India.

As “an epicenter of talent and opportunity,” India’s deep technical expertise and growing enterprise ecosystem are crucial to Celonis’ global ambitions, according to Dilip Khandelwal, chief customer officer and chairman of the India Advisory Board at Celonis.

### India’s Pivotal Role in Celonis’ Global Expansion

As Celonis accelerates its worldwide growth, India is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s engineering, services, and customer success capabilities.

“I think India is, at the moment, at the epicenter of a lot of things,” Khandelwal shared. “To understand what is happening, first you need to recognize that India has a very large population of 1.4 billion people. It is not just the sheer size and scale of available talent for Celonis to tap into, but also the influx of highly skilled students graduating from universities every year.”

Khandelwal discussed these insights during an exclusive interview with theCUBE’s Rob Strechay and Savannah Peterson at Celosphere 25, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio.

### Positioning Celonis as a Technology Leader and Talent Magnet

In the interview, Khandelwal emphasized how Celonis positions itself not only as a technology leader but also as a magnet for top talent. The company proves that process intelligence goes beyond mere data—it’s about driving meaningful, sustainable transformation.

### Partnerships Underpin Celonis’ Intelligent Solutions Strategy

At the core of Celonis’ strategy are industry partnerships, which serve as channels for synergistic growth. This approach starts by addressing isolated challenges, matures into domain-wide solutions, and ultimately has the potential to transform entire industries.

This philosophy also informs Celonis’ approach to AI adoption. As organizations move from understanding AI to reinventing processes, Celonis acts as a guide, helping design smarter, more compliant, and adaptable workflows.

“Celonis is the place for you to be because it gives you that meaning, not just data,” Khandelwal explained. “Many organizations have access to data information, but very few players provide the contextual and business meaning needed to redefine how you run your business.”

### Quantifying AI’s Impact Through Measurable Gains

Celonis helps customers quantify AI’s impact by delivering tangible gains in efficiency, compliance, and time to market. These measurable results make it easier for enterprises to justify further investments in intelligent solutions, Khandelwal noted.

“In my experience working with many enterprises, they are cautious when using terms like AI,” he said. “It involves a commitment, and we want customers to realize and demonstrate this value—it’s the most tangible benefit you can achieve.”

**Watch the full interview** as part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of Celosphere 25.

*Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for Celosphere 25. Neither Celonis, the sponsor of theCUBE’s event coverage, nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.*

*Photo credit: SiliconANGLE*
https://siliconangle.com/2025/11/07/ai-driven-transformation-talent-growth-india-intelligent-solutions-celosphere/

NHL insider uncovers Maple Leafs-David Kampf escalating situation as Toronto issue suspension without pay

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed forward David Kampf on waivers last week and subsequently assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. Currently, the Leafs are carrying an excess of forwards, making it challenging to find a roster spot for Kampf. This situation has sparked growing tensions between Kampf and the organization.

NHL insider Darren Dreger discussed Kampf’s situation on Friday’s episode of the *First Up* podcast. Dreger affirmed that Kampf is an NHL-caliber player but noted he does not fit under the current coaching system led by Craig Berube.

“David Kampf is an NHL player. He is,” Dreger said. “Does he fit the eye of Craig Berube? He does not. He just doesn’t. And Toronto has 14 healthy forwards that need waivers. So what do you do? You’re stuck in a situation there.”

Dreger also mentioned that other NHL teams aren’t showing much interest in acquiring Kampf at the moment. However, he suggested that a future opportunity in the league is still possible.

“It’s too early in the season, not saying that he can’t find an NHL home outside of Toronto in the future, maybe near future,” Dreger added. “All it takes is a depth injury and a team that has some cap space, and away you go. That’s just not the reality for the Leafs right now.”

Currently, the Leafs’ options to create space for Kampf on their NHL roster are limited. While Kampf is reportedly unhappy playing in the AHL, Dreger said there isn’t much the Leafs can do about the situation.

Kampf is in the third season of a four-year, $9.6 million contract, carrying a cap hit of $2.4 million per year. He appeared in four games for the Marlies, registering one assist before leaving the team. According to PuckPedia, the Leafs have suspended him without pay due to him walking away from the Marlies.

Dreger also touched on the progression of Nick Robertson, who had been benched earlier but has since returned and is performing well this season with seven points in 13 games. He credited general manager Brad Treliving for his patience with Robertson.

Regarding Kampf, Dreger emphasized that teams do not simply give players away without compensation.

“The point of this is, you don’t just give players away,” Dreger explained. “If Brad Treliving could give him [Kampf] away without taking a bad contract back, obviously, he would do that. So yeah, there’s a bit of an issue there.”

Dreger confirmed that Kampf left the Marlies’ roster but noted reports suggest he may return soon.

On Thursday’s broadcast of *Insider Trading*, TSN’s Chris Johnston provided an update on Kampf’s status. Johnston shared that Kampf has been away as he contemplates his future and potential next steps in his career. There is speculation that Kampf might return to the Marlies this weekend, with a resolution possibly imminent.

“I’m told that could be coming to a resolution by this weekend,” Johnston said. “Could even see Kampf rejoin the Marlies. We’ll see what happens there.”

David Kampf did not make the Leafs’ NHL roster out of training camp this season — marking the first time since 2017 he missed opening night. Prior to joining Toronto in 2021, Kampf played four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. Last season, he recorded five goals and 13 points in 59 games and appeared in one playoff game.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/news-nhl-insider-uncovers-maple-leafs-david-kampf-escalating-situation-toronto-issue-suspension-without-pay

Women’s nonprofit to hold South Asian wedding-themed fundraiser Sunday

The event, named “Shaadi Mubarak” (Hindi for “happy marriage”), aims to “recreate the magic of a South Asian wedding.”

What sets this celebration apart is its focus on eliminating the social pressures that women often face at traditional weddings. The organizers hope to create an inclusive and joyful atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the festivities without stress or expectations.
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/womens-nonprofit-to-hold-south-asian-wedding-themed-fundraiser-sunday/

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