SUMMARY: Federal prosecutors dropped bribery and fraud charges against former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin due to the death of key cooperating witness Gerald Migdol. Judge J. Paul Oetken closed Benjamin’s case after prosecutors determined they could no longer prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Migdol, who had pleaded guilty to organizing fake campaign contributions for Benjamin’s failed city comptroller bid, died on February 9, 2024. Benjamin’s legal team expressed relief and cited a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. about justice. Benjamin resigned following his April 2022 arrest, which had created political turmoil for Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Read the full article

The post Bribery, fraud charges dropped against former New York Lt. Governor appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued PepsiCo, alleging illegal price discrimination by offering unfair price advantages to Walmart over other retailers. The FTC claims PepsiCo’s promotional payments to Walmart allowed it to lower prices while raising costs for consumers shopping elsewhere. PepsiCo strongly disputes the allegations, asserting its practices align with industry norms. The FTC sued under the 1936 Robinson-Patman Act, which prevents such favoritism. The lawsuit has sparked division within the FTC, with two commissioners dissenting, one calling the case rushed and lacking evidence. This action is part of broader efforts to address consumer protection and market fairness.

Read the full article

The post US lawsuit accuses Pepsi company of price discrimination that favored Walmart over smaller stores appeared first on www.news4jax.com

SUMMARY: The tradition of outgoing U.S. presidents writing letters to their successors began with Ronald Reagan, who left a note for George H.W. Bush in 1989. Each subsequent president continued this tradition, including George H.W. Bush for Bill Clinton, Clinton for George W. Bush, and so on, up to Donald Trump, who wrote a letter to Joe Biden. This letter-writing practice, while not required, reflects bipartisan respect and personal connections. Biden may continue the tradition, though it is unclear. Historically, such letters varied in tone, ranging from congratulations to practical advice, as seen in John Adams’ 1801 note to Thomas Jefferson.

Read the full article

The post Biden got an Oval Office letter from Trump and may leave one in the desk himself. It’d be a first appeared first on www.news4jax.com