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US

Trafficking Graphic (Source: Arada Photography via AdobeStock Photo)

Trafficking Graphic (Source: Arada Photography via AdobeStock Photo)

A Texas couple was indicted Wednesday on five counts related to forced labor involving a then-underage immigrant residing in the U.S. illegally. The forced labor charge stems from activities that took place over a 16-year period.

Mohamed Toure, 57, and Denise Cros-Toure, 57, of Ft. Worth, Texas, were charged with forced labor, alien harboring for financial gain, and conspiracies to commit forced labor and alien harboring. Mr. Toure was also charged with making false statements to federal agents.

The indictment was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McGallicher of the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Services’ Houston Field Office.

The two defendants were arrested on April 26, 2018, after being charged by criminal complaint.

In January 2000, the defendants arranged for the victim, who at the time was a minor, to travel alone from her village in Guinea, West Africa, to Southlake, Texas. According to the indictment, she was forced to work long hours at their home for more than 16 years.

The Toures allegedly demanded she handle childcare, cook, clean, and perform yardwork. Meanwhile, despite having 5 biological children of their own close in age, they denied her access to schooling, medical care, and other opportunities afforded to their own children.

Also according to the indictment, on several occasions Denise Cros-Toure slapped or struck the victim as punishment. Further, the defendants allegedly denied her pay, isolated her from her family, and threatened “serious harm” if she refused to work.

In August 2016, neighbors helped the victim escape.

As part of their scheme to compel the victim’s labor, the defendants confiscated her official documents and caused her to remain unlawfully in the United States after her tourist visa expired in March 2000 and threatened to send her back to Guinea if her work was unsatisfactory.

The Justice Department (DOJ) stressed an indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

However, if convicted of forced labor, the Toures face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and mandatory restitution. If convicted of alien harboring, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case is being investigated by Diplomatic Security Services’ Houston Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Rebekah Bailey and William Nolan of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wolfe for the Northern District of Texas.

A Texas couple was indicted Wednesday on

US

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Reuters)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Reuters)

A Honduran national was sentenced Wednesday to 24 months in prison for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme. In total, the scheme impacted roughly 200 false tax returns and resulted in an intended tax loss of over $1.1 million.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois announced the sentencing.

According to documents and evidence provided to the court, Elin Matute, formerly of Waukegan, Illinois, cashed fraudulently obtained tax refund checks issued in the names of identity theft victims.

Mr. Matute cashed the checks at his bank and a local checking cashing business by claiming that the people listed on the checks were family members. He would then deposit the proceeds into bank accounts he controlled, as well as send some of the money back overseas to his native country.

The court also ordered Mr. Matute to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay $630,498 in restitution to the IRS.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Lausch commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation who investigated the case, and Trial Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Gregory P. Bailey of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case. Mr. Zuckerman also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago for their substantial assistance.

A Honduran national was sentenced Wednesday to

Video

The similarities between the Roman Empire and America are remarkable, similar even in the people it produces and the way we make laws.

Follow Liberty Never Sleeps host Tom Purcell on Twitter @RealLibertyTom.

*Crassus, Rome and Clinton
*Populism and Flake
*Human, Endowed and Defined Rights
*Fear and Threats
*The Constitution’s Brilliance

Today’s Bumpers:

Spartacus 1960 Original Soundtrack – 01 Overture
Spartacus 1960 Original Soundtrack – 21 Love Theme
Creep – Vintage Postmodern Jukebox Radiohead Cover
Day by Day- Godspell OST
Hosanna- Jesus Christ Superstar OST

Closing Theme-

Batman Dark Knight Rises 2012 House Remix feat. Hans Zimmer

It can be found at
http://www.hulkshare.com/praktikos/dark-nights-rise

More at:

http://www.hulkshare.com/praktikos

The money pledged thru Patreon.com will go toward show costs such as advertising, server time, and broadcasting equipment. If we can get enough listeners, we will expand the show to two hours and hire additional staff

All bumper music and sound clips are not owned by the show, are either under Creative Commons Attribution Licensing, is for commentary and educational purposes, of de minimus effect, and not for monetary gain.

No copyright is claimed in any use of such materials and to the extent that material may appear to be infringed, I assert that such alleged infringement is permissible under fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. If you believe material has been used in an unauthorized manner, please contact the poster.

The similarities between the Roman Empire and

Economy

A manufacturing assembly line at the Heinz factory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo: Courtesy of Heinz)

A manufacturing assembly line at the Heinz factory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo: Courtesy of Heinz)

The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey rebounded strongly in September, rising 11 points to 22.9. Over 38% of the manufacturers reported increases in overall activity this month, while 15% reported decreases.

The new orders index increased 12 points to 21.4.

In September, 42% of the firms reported an increase in new orders, up from 34% in August. The current shipments index also improved, increasing 3 points to 19.6. The current inventories index fell 19 points this month and recorded its first negative reading in 7 months.

The firms, on balance, reported an increase in unfilled orders and longer delivery times. The firms continued to report overall higher employment.

Over 26% of the responding firms reported increases in employment, up from 18%. Nearly 9% of the firms reported decreases in employment. The current employment index increased 3 points to 17.6.

The diffusion index for future general activity edged down from a reading of 38.8 in August to 36.3 this month. Roughly 53% of the firms expect increases in activity over the next six months, while 16% expect declines.

The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey rebounded

Economy

U.S. jobless claims graph on a tablet screen. (Photo: AdobeStock)

U.S. jobless claims graph on a tablet screen. (Photo: AdobeStock)

The Labor Department (DOL) said initial jobless claims and the 4-week average again fell to new multi-decade lows.

Initial jobless claims fell another 3,000 to a seasonally adjusted 201,000 for the week ending September 15. This is the lowest level for initial claims since November 15, 1969 when it was 197,000.

The 4-week moving average fell 2,250 from the previous week’s unrevised average to 205,750. This is the lowest level for this average since December 6, 1969 when it was 204,500.

No state was triggered “on” the Extended Benefits program during the week ending September 1.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was unchanged at a very low 1.2% for the week ending September 8. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending September 8 was 1,645,000, a decrease of 55,000 from the previous week’s revised level.

This is the lowest level for insured unemployment since August 4, 1973 when it was 1,633,000.

The 4-week moving average declined 20,750 from the previous week’s revised average to 1,691,500. This is the lowest level for this average since November 17, 1973 when it was 1,686,000.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending September 1 were in New Jersey (2.4), Connecticut (1.9), Alaska (1.7), Pennsylvania (1.7), Puerto Rico (1.7), California (1.6), New York (1.5), Rhode Island (1.5), the District of Columbia (1.4), Massachusetts (1.4), and Nevada (1.4).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending September 8 were in Iowa (+648), Wisconsin (+643), Kansas (+573), Michigan (+398), and Nebraska (+302), while the largest decreases were in California (-4,065), New York (-3,765), Pennsylvania (-948), Indiana (-812), and Washington (-623).

The Labor Department (DOL) said initial jobless

Markets

Gross domestic product (GDP) graphic concept. (Photo: AdobeStock)

Gross domestic product (GDP) graphic concept. (Photo: AdobeStock)

There are eight trading days left until we close the books on Q3 2018, and it’s been a stellar quarter by any measure. Stock market performance has shrugged off fears of Trade Wars, including some initial tariff volleys with China, the EU and Canada.

The likelihood of the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates has been outweighed by strong economic growth, and gains in wages and income better than we’ve seen in a decade.

Gross domestic product (GDP) is well on track to hit the high 3s for Q3, with still a shot at posting a 4 handle for the second consecutive quarter. Although we won’t get the first look at Q3 GDP until the last week of October, the Atlanta FED GDPNow forecast for Q3 is currently at +4.4%.

Major stock market averages have gains ranging from +4% to +8% QTD.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX: .DJI), +8% is leading the pack on the strength of Mega Cap Multinationals that are very sensitive to both the U.S. dollar and pending trade negotiations around the globe. Note that the strength of the U.S. dollar has cooled off the last 6 weeks, and there has been notable progress on the Trade Front.

On Tuesday, the DJIA posted its highest close, 26,247 since late January, just after posting an all time high of 26,616.

The S&P 500 (INDEXCBOE: .INX) at 2904, is +6.8% QTD and is impressively holding its breakout to new highs from late August.

Exactly 3 weeks ago the S&P 500 posted its first close ever above 2900, and this would be a great marker to hold going into Q4. Were not there yet, but with oil stabilizing in the low to mid 70s and the financials finally starting to show some signs of life, the prospects are good.

The NASDAQ Composite (INDEXNASDAQ: .IXIC) has gains of +5.9%, but that’s come with plenty of volatility, primarily from the FANG related names.

The NASDAQ closed Tuesday at 7956, 2% below its highs from only 3 weeks ago. Volatility is a given for the NASDAQ where a hand full of the biggest names have gains YTD of over 50% and the semiconductor space has been on a hair trigger most of the last 6 weeks over trade uncertainties and pricing concerns.

Keep a close watch on the 50 day moving average at 7883.

Strong fundamentals have provided a solid foundation for the stock market gains this quarter. This includes results from the Macro Economy, as well as impressive Corporate Earnings.

Despite the fact that the FED is on track to hike the Fed Funds rate to 2.25% next week, and the US 10 year Treasury Yield is back above the 3% threshold the last 2 days, investors are viewing this as a sign of confidence from both the Federal Reserve and Fixed Income Markets that the pace of economic growth will more than match the rise in rates and any accompanying inflation pressures.

Very simply, with GDP growth tracking at +4%, wage and income gains tracking at +3% — the best in a decade — and corporate profits growing at a double digit rate, the markets and the economy can handle base interest rates moving back up to the 3% level over the next 6 to 8 months.

There are eight trading days left until

Video

Tom loses his mind today as fighting off a cold while describing how the “boys on the hill” have completely failed the American people.

*The Accuser and Due Process
*RINO’s
*Blue Dog Democrats
*Big Government, Bad Government
*One Last Word: Hillary Clinton

Today’s Bumpers:

Breakdown- Tom Petty
Here Comes My Girl- Tom Petty
Owner of a Lonely Heart- Yes
Celebrate- Three Dog Night
Turning Japanese- The Vapors
Loser- Beck

Closing Theme-

Batman Dark Knight Rises 2012 House Remix feat. Hans Zimmer

It can be found at
http://www.hulkshare.com/praktikos/dark-nights-rise

More at:

http://www.hulkshare.com/praktikos

The money pledged thru Patreon.com will go toward show costs such as advertising, server time, and broadcasting equipment. If we can get enough listeners, we will expand the show to two hours and hire additional staff

All bumper music and sound clips are not owned by the show, are either under Creative Commons Attribution Licensing, is for commentary and educational purposes, of de minimus effect, and not for monetary gain.

No copyright is claimed in any use of such materials and to the extent that material may appear to be infringed, I assert that such alleged infringement is permissible under fair use principles in U.S. copyright laws. If you believe material has been used in an unauthorized manner, please contact the poster.

Tom loses his mind today as fighting

Economy

Volatile New Residential Construction Report Gets Off to Big Start

New residential construction, hew homes, housing starts, building permits, depicted on blueprints. (Photo: AdobeStock)

New residential construction, hew homes, housing starts, building permits, depicted on blueprints. (Photo: AdobeStock)

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its new residential construction report on Wednesday. Housing Starts and building permits can be volatile, and the month of August was no different.

Housing Starts

Privately-owned housing starts in August were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,282,000. That’s 9.2% (±11.4%)* higher than the revised July estimate of 1,174,000 and 9.4% (±9.4%) higher than the August 2017 rate of 1,172,000.

Single-family housing starts in August were at a rate of 876,000. That is 1.9% (±9.7%)* higher than the revised July figure of 860,000. The August rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 392,000.

Building Permits

Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in August were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,229,000. This is 5.7% (±1.6%) below the revised July rate of 1,303,000 and 5.5% (±1.6%) below the August 2017 rate of 1,300,000.

Single-family authorizations in August were at a rate of 820,000, or 6.1% (±1.7%) below the revised 873,000 in July. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 370,000 in August.

Housing Completions

Privately-owned housing completions in August were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,213,000. This is 2.5% (±9.7%) higher than the revised estimate of 1,183,000 for July and 11.2% (±11.4%) higher than the August 2017 rate of 1,091,000.

Single-family housing completions in August were at a rate of 923,000. That is 11.6% (±12.1%) above the revised July rate of 827,000. The August rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 285,000.

The volatile new residential construction report shows

Polls

The Pontiff’s Polling Problem: History Indicates Pope Francis, Catholic Church Will Have Difficult Time Repairing Their Images

Pope, pontiff and cleric of Roman Catholic Church; wearing a habit, small cap on the head, glasses and the crucifix.

Pope, pontiff and cleric of Roman Catholic Church; wearing a habit, small cap on the head, glasses and the crucifix.

Overall, Americans’s views of Pope Francis have soured somewhat, with 53% now holding a favorable opinion of the pontiff, down from 66% in August. However, U.S. Roman Catholics are held firm, with 79% still holding a favorable opinion, essentially unchanged from last month (78%).

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano recently accused Pope Francis and other high-ranking Vatican officials of a “cover-up” involving accusations of sexual misconduct against the Roman Catholic Church.

In the letter, Archbishop Vigano called on Pope Francis to resign, saying he and others were weaving a “conspiracy of silence” around former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, whom the Pope forced to resign last month after accusations that he abused a minor in the 1970s.

McCarrick, 89, retired as archbishop of Washington in 2006. Vigano alleges that former Pope Benedict XVI knew of the accusations against him and had McCarrick placed restrictions on him in both 2009 or 2010.

Gallup’s latest survey was conducted from September 4 – 12, just as the Roman Catholic Church faced tough scrutiny surrounding the Pennsylvania state attorney general’s report on allegations of sexual abuse by priests.

According to another recent poll, nearly 3 out of 4 (73%) American adults think the Roman Catholic Church has a serious problem with sexual predators. Rasmussen Reports finds only 15% think the media is overhyping the church’s sex problems.

That poll also finds the pope’s favorability numbers are heading in the wrong direction. While 50% have at least a somewhat favorable view of him, 35% have at least a somewhat unfavorable of him and another 15% were unsure or refused to answer.

While nearly 9 in 10 U.S. Catholics had a favorable view of the pope in 2014, among non-Catholic Americans, the drop has been substantially worse during the same period.

Among non-Catholics, 45% now hold a favorable view of the pope, compared with 63% last month and 72% in 2014. Similar drops in the pontiff’s favorability have occurred among most other groups.

How does Pope Francis appear to be weathering the storm juxtaposed to other pontiffs?

When the sexual abuse scandal was uncovered in 2002, the image of John Paul II fell from 86% in 1998 to 61% in 2002. Still, he’s more popular than Pope Benedict XVI. In 2010, Gallup’s final reading on Benedict found 40% of Americans viewed him favorably and 35% unfavorably.

Overall, Americans's views of Pope Francis have

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