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A protester in front of the White House in Washington, DC, on Saturday. Demonstrators also gathered in other major cities across the country.Aashish Kiphayet/Sipa/AP
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This weekend, national protests broke out once again to demand an end to creeping authoritarianism and to defend the rule of law—sparked by the chaotic opening months of the Trump administration, defined by the flouting of judicial authority, executive overreach, and a subservient Congress. You can find a wrap-up of those protests, organized under the banner “50501”—meaning “50 protests, 50 states, 1 day”—here.
Over on Bluesky, we asked readers to share their own images from wherever they showed up, and we were flooded with responses, from tiny towns and a highway overpass, to sprawling cities—all forming a vivid, grassroots tapestry of resistance.
Readers sent photos and videos from Clarksburg, West Virginia; Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Flagstaff, Arizona; Hartford, Connecticut; Honolulu, Hawaii; Indianapolis, Indiana; Las Vegas, Nevada; Lisle and Macomb, Illinois; Livonia, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Monterey, Paso Robles, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, and Thousand Oaks, California; New York City, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; Raleigh, North Carolina; Rochester, New York; Roswell, New Mexico; St. Paul, Minnesota; Suffolk, Virginia; and more.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.Chris Kleponis/CNP via ZUMA
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This story was originally published on the substack Public Domain to which you can subscribe here.
At an all-hands meeting of Interior Department employees on April 9, Secretary Doug Burgum stressed that managing and protecting federal public lands “must be held in balance.”
“It says in the mission statement the job of Interior is to ‘manage and protect,’” he said. “It doesn’t just say ‘protect,’ it says ‘manage and protect.’”
Guo Wengui and Steve Bannon in 2018.Don Emmert/Getty
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Miles Guo, an exiled Chinese billionaire best known for his ties to Steve Bannon, is in a Brooklyn jail awaiting sentencing following his conviction for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme. But Guo’s years of using his wealth to forge ties with people close to President Donald Trump appear to be bearing fruit.
As my colleague Stephanie Mencimer reported yesterday, far-right activist Gavin Wax just announced he is taking a job as chief of staff to Federal Communications Commissioner Nathan Simington. Wax would be one of several Trump advisers and administration aides who have previously worked for or been paid by Guo or his allies.
Others include top Trump aide Peter Navarro, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and senior Justice Department official Emil Bove. Bannon—whom Guo paid millions between 2017 and 2020 as an adviser—and former campaign aide Jason Miller, who ran Gettr, a social media company that Guo appears to have controlled, hold no official White House roles, but remain Trump advisers.
Donald Trump speaks at a Presidential Inauguration event. Evan Vucci/AP
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Donald Trump’s inaugural committee raised almost $250 million, much of it from donors who are seeking—and in many cases have already received—valuable favors from the administration of the famously transactional president.
The Wall Street Journal, which reviewed the committee’s filing ahead of a Sunday deadline, reported that the funding haul far exceeded what the committee needed for the January 20 event, leaving millions of dollars (it’s not clear exactly how much) in a fund Trump can use for other purposes. His aides have said the surplus will help fund Trump’s planned library and charities aligned with the president.
Donations to the inauguration by tech giants like Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta—apparently eager to display fealty to Trump—have previously drawn criticism, but the new filing reveals that a far larger group of companies and rich Americans also kicked in.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a meeting with El Salvador's Minister of National Defense Rene Merino Monroy at the Pentagon, last Wednesday.Nathan Howard/AP
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On Sunday evening, The New York Times published details of another potentially damning security scandal involving the chat app Signal and discussions of “detailed information about forthcoming strikes in Yemen on March 15″—this time centered on a group chat created by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Citing four people with knowledge of the group chat, the report describes strikingly similar details to those revealed last month by The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, who earlier disclosed that he had been inadvertently added to a different Signal group chat discussing the same Yemen war plans.
According to the Times, Hegseth shared information that “included the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornets targeting the Houthis” in a “chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer.” The Times noted that Hegseth’s brother, Phil, holds a job at the Pentagon, as does his lawyer, Tim Parlatore. His wife, Jennifer, has recently become notable for accompanying her husband to high-profile meetings abroad.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference in Miami on May 9, 2023. Rebecca Blackwell/AP
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On February 13, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that would allow state law enforcement to arrest and prosecute undocumented immigrants for being in the state without legal status. It was quickly paused. On April 4, United States District Judge Kathleen M. Williams temporarily blocked the law from being enforced, saying that enforcing immigration is strictly the work of the federal government.
But law enforcement from at least one agency, the Florida Highway Patrol, continued to make arrests under the law, according to local reporting and a Mother Jones analysis. The arrests were in clear violation of Williams’ order.
At a court hearing on Friday, attorneys representing immigrant advocacy groups told Williams, the federal judge, that they know of at least 15 such arrests, the Miami Herald reported. Williams said she was “astounded” that the arrests continued in spite of her order. “When I issued the temporary restraining order, it never occurred to me that police officers would not be bound by it,” Williams said at the hearing. “It never occurred to me that the state attorneys would not give direction to law enforcement so that we would not have these unfortunate arrests.”
A blimp depicting President Trump as a giant angry orange baby wearing a diaper is raised over Parliament Square in London in July 2018.Claire Doherty/Sipa USA via AP Images
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On Monday, the New York Times reported that the Trump Administration is mulling a suite of initiatives aimed at encouraging Americans to have more babies. Some of the suggestions for these programs came from pronatalists, a loose network of activists who believe that the humanity is basically doomed unless people have more kids. A few weeks back, I hung out with some of them in Austin near their conference, which is called, naturally, NatalCon. To say that most of the conference goers leaned right would be an understatement; some of the topics under discussion were the ethics of gene-editing embryos to endow them with desired traits, how having more babies could save “the West,” and why most women should forego careers to be mothers.
Some of the pronatalist proposals that the White House is said to be considering include are practical in nature: issuing a baby bonus of $5,000, reserving 30 percent of Fullbright Scholarships for applicants who are parents or are at least married, and offering classes to women to help them identify the most fertile times in their menstrual cycle.
Other proposals, meanwhile, seem aimed at changing cultural attitudes toward childbearing. A prime example of this is the idea of bestowing a special medal on mothers of six or more children. This suggestion came from Malcolm and Simone Collins, a Pennsylvania couple who seem to have appointed themselves heads of the pronatalist movement and were the belles of the ball at NatalCon. The medal was part of a collection of draft executive orders on pronatalism that the Collinses recently sent to the Trump administration.
The planned budget cuts follow Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s move to dismantle the Administration for Community Living.Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Zuma
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On Wednesday, a leaked draft Health and Human Services budget document revealed, among other sweeping cuts to health- and disability-related services, that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s department plans to defund protection and advocacy services for people with developmental disabilities—including autistic people, about whom Kennedy also spreads harmful disinformation. The budget document is a proposal, pending official release and eventually congressional approval; it’s also unclear whether suggested cuts originate with Kennedy’s HHS or Project 2025 architect Russell Vought’s Office of Management and Budget.
Federal funding for nongovernmental organizations to provide legal and advocacy services to people with developmental disabilities started in 1978 with the Developmentally Disabled Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. There are now 57 protection and advocacy agencies—one in every state, every territory, and in Washington, DC—that work to enforce the rights of people with developmental disabilities, those with mental health conditions, and other disabilities. The agencies, known as P&As, are overseen by HHS’s Administration for Community Living—which is being dismantled.
“What they’ve outlined here is eliminating almost all of the disability infrastructure in this country providing for services, supports, [and] research across the board to disabled people,” said Kate Caldwell, director of research and policy at Northwestern University’s Center for Racial and Disability Justice. Protection and advocacy agencies, Caldwell explains, are granted what’s called “access authority,” powers that allow them to independently investigate reports of abuse in facilities and community settings.
Steven Hotze delivers a speech against same-sex marriage in front of the Supreme Court in 2015.Cliff Owen/AP
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For over a decade, Americans with private health insurance have enjoyed free access to dozens of types of preventive health care: cholesterol medication, prenatal care, and many types of cancer screenings, as well as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the “miracle drug” that prevents HIV infection. But on Monday, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could gut the part of the Affordable Care Act that requires insurers to cover these services at zero cost to patients.
Kennedy v. Braidwood Management is at least the eighth time the Supreme Court has weighed in on a major element of the ACA since the health law was passed during the Obama administration in 2010. The lawsuit—filed by a group of Christian businesses and individuals who object to PrEP on religious grounds and Obamacare on ideological ones—takes aim at the US Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of independent, volunteer experts who rate the effectiveness of different types of preventive care. The ACA requires insurers to fully cover services rated “A” or “B” by the task force.
Currently, members of the task force are appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. But the case being heard by the Supreme Court argues that the Constitution requires officials who wield that level of power to be nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
Thousands protest the Trump administration's federal funding cuts during the Stand Up for Science rally in Washington, DC, March 7, 2025. Dominic Gwinn/ZUMA
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Lisa Fazio expected her National Science Foundation grant to be cancelled. The associate professor of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University had watched, with apprehension, the GOP targeting disinformation in a series of legislative attacks.
She only grew more certain when, on April 18, the National Science Foundation (NSF) put out a statement on how grants would henceforth be evaluated for funding. In addition to limiting the inclusion of underrepresented groups, the statement cited Trump’s Inauguration Day executive order, “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” to cut funding for disinformation research:
“NSF will not support research with the goal of combating “misinformation,” “disinformation,” and “malinformation” that could be used to infringe on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States in a manner that advances a preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate.”
IMSTA have announced that their IMSTA FESTA event will return to SAE Institute in London on 7 June for another day of fun, learning and networking for musicians. A celebration of music technology, the event provides the music-making community with access to one-on-one product demonstrations from top pro-audio brands, music industry panels, masterclasses, song reviews, prizes and more.
For this year’s event, IMSTA have invited some of the music industry’s top names to deliver keynote presentations and masterclasses. Guests include Grammy-winning mix engineer and producer James Auwarter, renowned music manager John Woolf, and award-winning songwriter Jonny Amos, studio design expert Chris Smout.
IMSTA FESTA welcomes all music creators including professional and semi-professional musicians, songwriters, producers and audio engineers, as well as music students and educators. Admission is free to anyone who registers, and there will be a whole host of raffles and giveaways courtesy of exhibiting pro-audio companies.
Sound On Sound are proud to be the official Media Partner of this year’s IMSTA FESTA.
Datamind Audio have announced the launch of a new AI-powered plug-in that’s capable of turning any sound into a playable instrument. Described as an “audio mosaicking tool”, Concatenator can be used to create complex new sounds and textures based on any audio file or input source.
The innovative new instrument relies on a new form of synthesis which has been developed by Datamind Audio. Named Concatenative Sound Synthesis, the approach is said to be similar in concept to granular synthesis, but with the grain selection, amount and size parameters influenced by an audio input signal rather than being chosen at random.
It’s possible to feed just about any audio into Concatenator — it’ll happily accept input signals from a mic or instrument, as well as existing samples — and the instrument will respond by analysing the signal before ‘reconstructing’ it using fragments of other sounds from the user’s sample collection. Created for sound designers and musicians alike, the plug-in offers a quick and easy way to create complex, layered sounds, and is capable of generating everything from foley and soundscapes to synth-like rhythms — all with the user’s existing sample collection.
Machine Learning: Modulate how the audio-matching algorithm ‘weighs-in’ the spectral and amplitude components of the input signal. Lightning Fast Load Times: The only limitation on how many samples can be loaded into Concatenator is how much RAM is available. Flexible Modulation: Five LFOs, five envelope followers, five side-chain-enabled MIDI envelopes. Total Control: Control sample repetition with Variation, re-scatter the probabilities for chosen slices with Particle Reset, and then modulate how likely the sample is to hold once selected using Stickiness. Dynamic Presets: Presets can be used with any sample combination, while additional Corpus Presets store the currently loaded samples.Check out the video below to see and hear what Concatenator is capable of.
The MPG (Music Producers Guild) have announced that Richard Russell, the acclaimed producer and founder of the ground-breaking label XL Recordings, will receive the prestigious MPG Inspiration Award at this year’s MPG Awards ceremony.
Richard is behind the collaborative music project and album, ‘Everything Is Recorded’, which unites a diverse array of voices — including Sampha, Obongjayar, Ibeyi, Giggs and Kamasi Washington — in expansive, emotionally resonant productions that explore the complexities of identity and human connection.
He has worked on several notable projects with Damon Albarn, co-producing his debut solo album ‘Everyday Robots’ and Bobby Womack’s comeback album, ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’. He also produced Gil Scott-Heron’s ‘I’m New Here’, collaborated with Peter Gabriel on ‘Four Kinds Of Horses’, and most recently, produced ‘Daffodils and Dirt’, the debut album from actress Samantha Morton.
“Whether in the studio or guiding from behind the scenes, Richard Russell continues to inspire through his fearless approach to creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic freedom. The MPG is proud to honour a visionary whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the evolution and trajectory of contemporary music; from ‘Kicks Like a Mule’, to ‘Everything Is Recorded’, via ‘Young’ and countless highlights in between.” - Anu Pillai, Executive Director, MPG
When Universal Audio announced their Guitar Month promotion at the start of April 2025, they gave a sneak preview of an upcoming plug-in version of their Tweed-inspired UAFX amp simulation pedal. A few weeks on, and UAD Woodrow ’55 Instrument Amplifier has officially launched, bringing the pedal’s renowned tones into the hands of DAW users.
The plug-in promises to capture every nuance of the iconic amp’s circuitry, providing users with the punchy clean tones and valve-driven overdrives that graced the records of legendary artists such as Chuck Berry and Neil Young, and continue to define the sounds of modern players such as Jason Isbell, Joe Bonamassa and Ariel Posen.
UAD Woodrow has been designed to make quick work of dialling in the ideal sound, with a single Tone control blending seamlessly from cleans to overdriven ‘crunch’ sounds, and some fine-tuning provided by a selection of microphone options and a set of six cabinet choices. A set of presets spanning country, blues and rock tones are included, offering a collection of mix-ready sounds or serving as a starting point for those in search of some inspiration.
“This is the amp that defined what electric guitar sounds like — from the first fuzzed-out rock records to today’s alt-country and Americana. With UAD Woodrow ’55, we’ve made that iconic tone accessible to anyone producing music in the box.” - Lev Perrey, VP of Product at Universal Audio
Blue FX Devices have announced an upcoming Kickstarter campaign that will fund the production of a new modulated fuzz pedal. Combining an analogue fuzz circuit with three modulation voices, the Fuzz Fields is capable of generating a wealth of new and interesting sounds, and promises to keep users busy exploring new tones for hours on end.
The pedal kits users out with plenty of tonal options, with low- and high-gain modes offering everything from smooth, drive-like sounds to more aggressive fuzz tones. There’s also a Freq mode that allows an internal oscillator to be triggered by one of the Fuzz Fields’ footswitches, causing the pedal to “scream, squeal and growl” — when the mode is active, the pedal runs at maximum gain and the Fuzz knob can be used to determine the oscillator’s frequency.
Next up is Gravity mode, which applies gain reduction to the fuzz engine based on playing dynamics. The feature’s sensitivity is governed by an Envelope control, and facilitates everything from subtle pumping effects to more obvious-sounding signal dropouts. The mode is said to pair brilliantly with the Freq mode, and the company say that combining the two creates a unique screaming effect that they consider to be the spirit of the Fuzz Fields. The pedal also includes an octave effect and Gate parameter that react differently with each of the operating modes, further increasing its tonal range.
Of course, the headline feature of the Fuzz Fields is its built-in set of modulation capabilities. There’s an envelope follower that’s responsible for the aforementioned dynamics-tracking function, as well as a footswitch-operated phase-shifter circuit that opens up a range of phaser and vibrato-like effects. Its intensity can be modulated by the envelope follower, by external devices — the Fuzz Fields is equipped with CV and expression pedal connectivity — or even a mixture of the two!
The latest version of Harrison’s console-inspired DAW software has just been released, delivering a wealth of new features and functions designed to help users streamline their recording, production and mixing processes. In addition to its new-found abilities, Mixbus 11 has also been treated to a visual overhaul, and is being offered alongside a new flagship Mixbus 11 Pro version that caters to those working in immersive audio.
The core approach of the DAW remains the same, with Harrison drawing on their expertise in the analogue world to deliver a user-friendly environment that replicates the process of working on a large-format console. Every mixer channel is kitted out with the highly regarded Harrison 32C EQ, signal processing and analogue console-inspired saturation, while Mixbus 11 Pro adds a switchable SSL 9000J channel strip EQ. The newly introduced Pro variant also comes loaded with a powerful set of tools aimed at those working in Dolby Atmos, including 3D object-based panning, dynamic automation tools and loudness optimisation, as well as support for both binaural and 7.1.4 speaker monitoring.
What’s New?
Mixbus 11 now offers a two-tiered pricing model to help users choose the product that best suits their production requirements. Mixbus 11 introduces the following features:
A new streamlined, ultra-intuitive GUI featuring a new transport control panel. A new Focus Channel which displays the selected channel strip in a touch-friendly layout. An intuitive new Property Editor that appears for selected audio/MIDI regions and loops. A dedicated piano roll window for any MIDI region, each with a separate zoom and tool context. Per-region FX can apply plug-ins directly to audio with real-time auditioning and automation. Optimisations for touch control and multi-touch (multi-touch is currently only supported on Windows & Linux systems). Dedicated per-channel Gate. A complete suite of 19 precision Harrison XT plugins featuring EQ, dynamics, modulation, delay and reverb effects, making pro-grade tools accessible to a wider audience.Mixbus Pro, meanwhile, includes some powerful extras such as:
One of pointblank Music School's new Dolby Atmos studios.
pointblank Music School have announced the grand opening of a new 30,000-square-foot campus in Shoreditch, London. Aiming to set a new standard in music education, the cutting-edge facility houses no fewer than 13 world-class studios, providing an innovative learning environment tailored to the next generation of music producers, DJs, vocalists, songwriters, music business and creative software professionals.
The institution say that they are committed to providing exceptional music education, with their courses all delivered by expert lecturers who are also active professionals in their respective industries. They been awarded TEF Gold (Teaching Excellence Framework) status, the highest rating given by the UK government for outstanding teaching and learning quality.
“Our new Shoreditch campus is more than just a school, it’s a creative hub designed to inspire the next generation of music professionals. With cutting-edge technology, immersive learning spaces and a strong focus on hands-on experience, our students are in the best possible environment to launch their careers in music.” - Rob Cowan, CEO & Founder, pointblank Music School
Studio Facilities
At the heart of the new campus are 13 state-of-the-art studios, including:
Australian microphone designer DrAlienSmith have announced the launch of the Alien8, a new dynamic mic that has been designed to capture the low-end punch and attack of kick drums and bass cabinets. Although inspired by the likes of the AKG D30 and beyerdynamic M380, the mic isn’t intended as a clone or remake, and is said to offer a distinct sound of its own.
The Alien8 employs a pair of identical 50mm figure-of-eight capsules facing in opposing directions, with one placed directly above the other. The rear lobe of each capsule sounds different to the front, and the company have implemented a three-position switch that offers a choice of three tonal options. Users are able to select just the top capsule for a brighter sound, while the lower capsule delivers a more ‘weighty’ tone; the third position then combines both capsules, offering the best of both worlds. The mic retains its figure-of-eight pattern in all three modes, and is transformer balanced, so is unaffected by phantom power.
The availability of DrAlienSmith mics has been made possible thanks to the launch of One Louder Audio, a new distributor that also supplies kit from AudioScape and SessionDesk. The company say they are committed to hassle-free purchasing, and have been set up to ensure that UK-based customers can avoid the hidden costs of international shipping while enjoying UK-based warranty product support.
Pricing & Availability
The Alien8 is available now, and is currently (15 April 2025) being offered at an introductory price of £349, reduced from its full price of £369. Prices include VAT. Each mic is supplied with a mount and a hard case.
The latest addition to Audeze’s much-loved LCD headphone family makes the precise sound of the company’s high-end headphones available in an affordable closed-back model for the first time. The LCD-S20 feature the new SLAM technology, and are said to deliver extended, dynamic bass while retaining a clean sound even at high listening levels.
Thanks to their closed-back design, the new model offers an ideal solution for tracking, while the planar magnetic drivers deliver the signature clean sound for which Audeze have become well known. Although they’re more keenly priced than their siblings, the LCD-S20 still boast a high-quality design, and are constructed from magnesium, aluminium and steel, with an adjustable suspension headband and gel-filled earpads ensuring a comfortable fit over long listening sessions. The replaceable earpads are attached magnetically, and helpfully, the cable can be attached to either side of the headphones.
The LCD-S20 also feature Audeze’s SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) technology, which debuted recently in the CBRN2, the new flagship model in the company’s audiophile range. It relies on acoustic channels in the ring that connects the earcups to the drivers, the length, cross-section and shape of which are tuned to influence the headphones’ low-frequency response. The result is a significant bass enhancement — around a 6dB boost that extends all the way down to 10Hz — along with reduced distortion and more open, clear sound.
Transducer type: Planar Magnetic Transducer size: 90mm Maximum SPL: >120dB Frequency response: 10Hz – 40kHz THD: <0.1% @ 100dB SPL (1kHz) Impedance: 18Ω Sensitivity: 93 dB/1mW Maximum power handling: 5W RMS Minimum power requirement: >100mW Recommended power level: >250mW Weight: 550gPricing & Availability
The LCD-S20 is available now, priced at $£499 including VAT.
The latest free update for Sonarworks’ voice-transformation plug-in introduces a powerful new AI-powered double-tracking function that’s capable of generating up to eight unison parts from a single voice recording.
The Perpetual version of SoundID VoiceAI now comes equipped Unison Mode, a new function that offers an alternative to manually tracking multiple vocal takes. Up to eight unison doubles can be generated from a vocal track, and a set of controls makes it possible to introduce subtle pitch- and time-based variations to ensure that the results deliver a natural, human-like feel.
It’s worth mentioning that the feature is currently exclusive to the Perpetual License version of SoundID VoiceAI — it is not currently available for those using the subscription-based Pay-as-you-go Mode.
Here’s a quick look at what’s on offer thanks to the new Unison Mode:
The latest release from Fuse Audio Labs provides users with a way to turn mono sources into natural-sounding stereo signals. OCELOT Upmixer uses spectral diffusion to emulate a stereo image, and is said to offer results that are free from artefacts while maintaining mono compatibility.
OCELOT Upmixer comes equipped with a simple set of controls that make quick work of creating a realistic-sounding stereo field from a mono source. First up is a Tune dial that makes it possible to match the tone of the ‘upmixed’ signal to the character of the source material, with some fine-tuning on offer courtesy of high- and low-pass filters. A Width control then defines how extreme the resulting effect is, and is followed by a Level control that offers ±12dB of gain at the plug-in’s output. The plug-in also features a dedicated metering section that houses a pair of level meters alongside a vector scope display that provides real-time phase information.
“OCELOT Upmixer is all about bringing a natural sense of width and depth to mono sources without sacrificing phase integrity. It makes stereo enhancement both effortless and transparent, ensuring a mix stays true to its original character while gaining extra dimension.” - Reimund Dratwa, CEO, Fuse Audio Labs
Compatibility
OCELOT Upmixer is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.12 and higher. VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
If you’re struggling to get your head around acoustic treatment — the terminology involved, how the size of a room affects its sound, common practices and so on — it’s well worth taking a look at The Basics of Room Acoustics, an informative video produced by the experts at GIK Acoustics.
The short video breaks down some of the common issues faced when converting an existing room into a studio, explaining how the interaction between the speakers and the physical space around them lead to the uneven response encountered by so many studio users. It then provides a quick overview of a range of absorption- and diffusion-based treatment options and how they can be used to tackle different acoustic issues.
iZotope’s latest offering brings a new reverb to their growing software collection, and combines their popular Stratus and Symphony engines into a single plug-in that’s capable of tackling both music and post-production projects. Equinox supports an array of surround and immersive formats, and also promises to ensure clean-sounding mixes thanks to iZotope’s adaptive unmasking technology.
The plug-in relies on Exponential Audio’s renowned reverb algorithms, and is said to be a versatile processor that is equally well suited to music and post-production tasks. For music projects, it promises to add a realistic depth to instruments and vocals, as well as facilitating more experimental sounds thanks to its Tempo Sync and Tail Suppression parameters. As for post-production, iZotope say that Equinox can help mixers to naturally place dialogue within scenes, while its creative tools will be welcomed by sound designers.
Legendary Reverb Engines: Equinox integrates iZotope’s natural reverb engine (Stratus) and the character reverb engine (Symphony) into a single, streamlined plug-in. Dynamic Adaptive Unmasking: iZotope’s advanced adaptive unmasking technology, now available in surround and immersive formats, ensures crystal-clear mixes by intelligently carving out space for reverb without ‘muddying’ the dry signal. Comprehensive Surround and Immersive Support: Full support for popular surround and immersive audio formats, with an intuitive multi-channel balancing workflow, catering to the demands of modern film and television productions. Extensive Preset Library: Explore over 1250 professional presets with an overhauled browsing experience, featuring keyword search and multi-tagging to find exactly what you’re looking for, fast. Creative Effects: Play with Reverb Freeze, Chorus, Gate, Tempo Sync and Tail Suppression for unique and experimental reverb sounds. Preset Compatibility: Save any custom Stratus or Symphony patches as user presets, then import your entire Stratus and Symphony preset libraries into Equinox in one click.Compatibility
Equinox is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 13 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Equinox is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $149.20 until 30 April 2025, when it will increase to its full cost of $249.
Knobula’s latest creation sees the company pack an eight-voice polysynth and a monosynth into a single 12HP Eurorack module! The Monumatic comes equipped with 16 selectable oscillator modes, with its collection of virtual-analogue algorithms covering a wealth of classic and modern sounds.
The oscillator modes draw their inspiration from a number of classic instruments and designs: Super 7 provides users with a Roland-style super-saw, while CZ offers some Casio-inspired phase distortion and Vox delivers Knobula’s take on the Polymoog’s Vox Humana mode. The oscillator selection switch is joined by a large Detune control that’s capable of shiting the oscillator down by an octave, with some fine-tuning provided by a smaller Pitch dial.
There are six filter types included: a vowel filter that’s capable of creating vocal-style effects; a 24dB/octave low-pass Butterworth design; a 12dB/octave SVF; a dual-peak notch; a phase shifter; and a high-pass. Frequency and Resonance controls are provided, along with a Drive switch and an Env Depth knob that allows the filter to be modulated by its neighbouring Envelope section. The module also boasts a built-in stereo reverb.
As with all of Knobula’s gear, the Monumatic provides a concise set of controls with no screen in sight, allowing users to get hands-on with their patching and programming without any menu-diving. Those in search of quick chords and layered sounds will be pleased to see eight onboard chord presets, and there are plenty of options for setting up external control. The module boasts a pair of CV inputs that can be assigned to any parameter, alongside dedicated Gate, V/Oct and Filter CV inputs; there’s also a MIDI input, and as well as accepting CC messages, the Monumatic supports MPE.
UJAM’s latest release blends the realism and playability of their popular Virtual Guitarist series with the more cinematic focus of their Symphonic Elements collection. Inspired by the expansive sonic atmospheres that define the soundtracks of their founding partner Han Zimmer’s scores, Cinedream combines a collection of guitar samples with a set of advanced sound-design tools that allow composers and sound designers to craft everything from subtle guitar phrases to abstract soundscapes.
Users are provided with a choice of 30 different playing styles that range from fingerpicking to driving rhythms, and it’s possible to fine-tune the response of each note using Contour and Character parameters. A selection of amp models offer an array of tonal options, and there’s a Drive control that can be used to push the sounds a little harder and introduce some saturation. Cinedream also includes a pair of multi-effects sections: Stomp Box, which focuses on tone-shaping processors, and Finisher, which can be used to create ambient soundscapes, drones and modulated effects.
UJAM’s instruments are often praised not only for their sound, but also their playability and ease of use. Alongside its wealth of sound-design tools, Cinedream includes a pair of playing modes that provide two distinct ways of working. With Player Mode selected, holding a key or chord will result in the instrument playing slow, cinematic-sounding phrases that are said to be perfect for creating ambient textures and evolving soundscapes; Instrument Mode, meanwhile, provides hands-on control over individual notes, and has been designed for those wishing to play and edit their own melodies and layered parts.
Custom Electric Guitar Model: Voiced specifically for a diverse range of articulations, offering a warm and expressive tonal foundation. Six Amp Setups: From clean and shimmering to saturated and intense. Performance Controls: Real-time shaping of transients, dynamics, timing and articulations for expressive playing. Dual Multi-Effect Engines: Explore evolving textures with a wide range of effects, including modulation, sequencing, granular and ambient layers. Style-Based Phrase Engine: Instantly trigger authentic guitar performances, subtle pulses to complex, atmospheric phrases to even faux-random improvisation. 200 Factory Presets: Ready-to-use rhythms, pads, textures, sequences and guitar sounds designed to spark inspiration and add texture and sonic richness.“In recent years, guitars have started competing with synths when it comes to creating cinematic soundscapes. The sophistication of today’s sound design tools combined with the more organic, less electronic character of guitars can be heard everywhere these days. Cinedream is a true Virtual Guitarist but also incorporates elements of our best-selling Symphonic Elements series. Many users have asked for that, and that’s what always drives us.” - Peter Gorges, Co-Founder, UJAM
As part of their ongoing collaboration with electronics guru Moritz Klein, Erica Synths have announced the launch of a new DIY Eurorack module that blends the ‘punch’ of classic analogue drum voices with the metallic-sounding tones of FM synthesis.
Aptly named the EDU DIY FM Drum, the latest addition to the company’s collection of self-build modules is said to be capable of crafting anything from kicks and toms to metallic clangs and more. A pair of large Tune controls are followed by Tune Depth, Tune Decay, Tune CV Level and Decay knobs, while FM and Shape switches dictate the type of sounds that the module will produce. Helpfully, the switches are accompanied by graphic that explains which type of sounds will be generated with each combination of switch positions.
As with all modules in the EDU DIY series, the FM Drum is provided in kit form, and there’s a comprehensive downloadable manual that walks the user through the build process.
Pricing & Availability
The EDU DIY FM Drum is available now, priced at €75.
IK Multimedia have announced the launch of a whole host of new premium content for their TONEX line-up. With the release of TONEX Factory Content v2, users of all of the company’s TONEX hardware and software products will gain access to up to 150 new Premium Tone Models and presets.
What’s New?
The new update brings some additional content to all TONEX users. Here’s a breakdown of who gets what:
TONEX Pedal
150 crafted presets matched to 150 Premium Tone Models. A/B/C layout for instant access to clean, drive and lead tones. 30 Banks: Amp & cab presets from classic cleans to crushing high-gain tones. Five Banks: FX-driven presets featuring the eight new TONEX FX. Five Banks: Amp-only presets for integrating external IRs, VIR or amps. Five Banks: Stompbox presets of new overdrive & distortion pedals. Five Banks: Bass amp & pedal presets.TONEX Mac/PC
106 new Premium Tone Models & nine refined classics for TONEX MAX 20 new Premium Tone Models for TONEX and TONEX SETONEX ONE
A selection of 20 expertly crafted presets from the list above. Easy to explore and customise with the new TONEX Editor.Amps & Effects
The first 30 of the new TONEX Pedal banks deliver an expansive range of amp and cab tones, featuring legendary offerings such as a Marshall 1960, ENGL E412V, EVH 412ST and MESA Boogie 4x12 4FB. The amps have been boosted with classic pedals like the Ibanez TS9, MXR Timmy and ProCo RAT, resulting in some all-out high-gain sounds.
The following five banks of 15 presets then explore the depth of TONEX's latest effects — everything from Tweed-inspired tremolo to the surf tones of the new Spring 4 reverb. Users can also enjoy tape-style slapback delays, immersive LCR delay configurations, flangers, dynamic modulation, choruses, stereo panning and ambient reverbs. A whole host of new stompbox captures are included, too, with 15 new models based on the likes of the Fulltone Full-Drive 2, Marshall DriveMaster, Maxon OD808, Klon Centaur, ProCo RAT and more.
AEA are well-known name in the world of ribbon mics, and as their range has expanded over the years they’ve also introduced a number of preamps designed to pair perfectly with their high-end mics — or indeed, any ribbon mic! Their latest release is a first for the company, though, and sees them turn their attention to compression.
The AEA 1029 is an all-analogue, stereo VCA compressor housed in a half-rack chassis, making it a great option for those looking for a desktop unit, or hoping to save some space in their rack. As you’d expect from AEA, high-quality components are used throughout, with a proprietary discrete op-amp design by Fred Forssell joined by a pair of THAT 4305 VCA chips that share a single RMS detector fed by the summed input signals.
The company say that the result is a versatile compressor that boasts a clear, balanced sound that excels at everything from taming vocals to squashing drum overheads. It’s been designed to pair perfectly with AEA’s TRP- and RPQ-series preamps, and is ideal for recording or mixing stereo mic arrays.
As well as being packed with helpful writing tools, Toontrack’s EZKeys 2 covers a huge range of sounds thanks to its ever-growing collection of EKX expansion packs. The latest addition to the range has just been announced, and as well as bringing a new piano to the range, it also includes a selection of synth and effects layers.
Modern Pop Piano EKX captures the sound of a Grotrian-Steinweg upright, an instrument renowned for its clear and refined tone. The recording sessions took place at Riksmixingsverket studio in Stockholm, Sweden, with engineer Linn Fijal employing an enviable collection of microphones from the likes of Neumann, Shure, Thuresson, Coles, DPA and AKG. What sets it apart from many of its siblings, though, is the inclusion of processed samples designed for more experimental productions and sound-design tasks. Toontrack have taken the core recordings that make up the instrument, applied some granular and time-stretching effects, and then resampled them using a selection of analogue and digital outboard processors.
The resulting sounds are divided into three categories: Natural, Processed and Experimental. As its name suggests, the Natural category provides a variety of acoustic piano sounds captured from different microphone positions with sparingly used effects; Processed then introduces layered sounds, many of which include non-natural reverbs and effects, while Experimental offers a set of saturated, warped sounds that blend the piano samples with a range of effects and synth textures.
As with all of Toontrack’s expansions, Modern Pop Piano EKX includes a collection of MIDI parts that are unique to the product, and tailored to the instrument it captures.
Following on from the success of their Tines Duo instalment, which introduced Diamond and Phoenix to the Electric Keys range, Native Instruments have announced the launch of Electric Keys - Reeds Duo. The latest instalment in the popular series includes Jade and Ivory, a new pair of electric piano sample libraries that capture the sound of two reed-based instruments.
While the previous release sampled a pair of tine-based instruments, Reeds Duo focuses instead on two instruments that generate their sound using vibrating metal reeds. The first of the two instruments, Jade, captures a solid-state reed piano that delivers a bright, punchy sound that is said to be ideal for creating funky rhythms, cutting leads and rich-sounding chords. Ivory then samples a vintage valve-driven instrument with a diverse tonal range that spans from smooth and mellow to rough and fiery. Both have been created in collaboration with Galaxy Instruments, the expert team behind other Native Instruments favourites such as Claire, Noire and The Giant.
Authentic Presets: each instrument comes with 100 meticulously designed snapshots that capture the most iconic original keyboard sounds. Advanced Sound Shaping: Customise your sound with detailed tone controls like Tonal Shift, modelled tremolo and a suite of effects taken from Guitar Rig 7 Pro. Crank the Color: The Color knob allows for seamless blending of performance dynamics, from soft and intimate to bold and brash. Realistic Details: Blend direct output with characteristic tremolos and room signals, and add mechanical hammer and pedal noises for enhanced realism. Seamless Kontrol Keyboard Integration: Electric Keys offers optimal integration with Native Instruments’ Kontrol S-Series keyboards for intuitive control and preset browsing.Compatibility
Electric Keys - Reeds Duo runs in Native Instruments Kontakt (or the free Kontakt Player) versions 8.2.0 and above, which are supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 13 and higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
Electric Keys - Reeds Duo is available now, priced at $149£129. Electric Keys Jade and Ivory are also available separately, priced at $99£89 each. Prices include VAT.
Robin Rayne/Zuma
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President Trump’s overarching embrace of fossil fuels includes repealing a landmark Biden legislative achievement, the Inflation Reduction Act, which has helped support major investments in clean energy infrastructure.
While this will be the 55th time Republicans will have tried to roll back part or all of the $370 billion IRA, a Mother Jones analysis shows that most of the spending under the bill—and its associated jobs—went to areas represented by Republicans in Congress.
As the Biden White House explained, the 2022 law aimed to make sure the U.S. remained “the global leader in clean energy technology, manufacturing, and innovation.” That logic—and the jobs and tax credits spun off by the spending—conviced 18 Republican House members to sign a letter last summer asking their GOP colleagues not to go through with a “full repeal” of the bill, a move that was largely seen as an effort to appeal to voters ahead of the 2024 elections.
On April 2nd, Jewish students at Columbia University chained themselves to the gates of the university to demand Khalil's release.Michael Nigro/Pacific Press via ZUMA Press Wire
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A Louisiana immigration judge ruled Friday that recent Columbia graduate and Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported—even though Khalil has a green card, is a lawful permanent resident, and has not been charged with any crimes.
The judge gave Khalil’s attorneys until April 23 to ask for a stay of the deportation. There is a separate case in federal court in New Jersey still ongoing over whether Khalil’s arrest on March 8th violated his First Amendment rights.
The rationale for deporting Khalil is obscure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio submitted a two-page letter arguing, essentially, that Khalil is deportable on the basis of ideas: his “past, current, or expected beliefs.” Rubio relied on a 1950s law that says the Secretary of State can determine whether a noncitizen’s presence in the US harms national security goals.
President Donald Trump speaks as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Washington.Pool via AP
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Democratic lawmakers are calling for federal agencies and state attorneys general to investigate whether President Donald Trump, members of his administration, or any of his associates manipulated markets or helped enrich allies in connection with Trump’s sudden reversal on tariff polices Wednesday.
Six top Democrats wrote to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins Friday, asking the agency to investigate “whether the tariff announcements, which caused the market crash and subsequent partial recovery, enriched administration insiders and friends at the expense of the American public and whether any insiders, including the President’s family, had prior knowledge of the tariff pause that they abused to make stock trades ahead of the president’s announcement.”
In varied missives over the last few days, Democrats—who for months have publicly struggled with how aggressively to combat Trump—have taken direct aim at the economic damage inflicted by the president’s erratic tariff policy. And they have zeroed in on seemingly suspicious trading activity that took place ahead of Trump’s about-face.
Another round of federal workers are bracing to be fired again after a pair of court orders this week.ZUMA
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On Wednesday, S.W., an award-winning probationary worker at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), spent the day crying in bed.
S.W., who is being identified by her initials due to fear of retaliation for speaking out, is one of more than 24,000 federal probationary employees, those who have been in their jobs for a year or two or less, who were fired en masse on Valentine’s Day as part of Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s purge of federal workers. A month later, in mid-March, she and thousands of other probationary workers were reinstated following a court order. For S.W., who said she is five months pregnant and her family’s breadwinner, getting that news felt like a win. “I felt so happy, I was on top of the world.”
Her hope was dashed Wednesday, when an appeals court allowed the Trump administration to resume terminations of probationary workers. It was one of two court rulings this week that allowed the firings of federal probationary workers to proceed, along with a Tuesday decision from the Supreme Court in which a majority of the justices ruled that the nonprofit organizations fighting the firings lacked standing to sue over them.
Kathleen Sgamma, president of Western Energy Alliance, at a Senate hearing. Michael Brochstein/ZUMA
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This story was originally published on the Substack Public Domain, to which you can subscribe here.
Kathleen Sgamma, a longtime oil and gas activist, withdrew her nomination to lead the federal Bureau of Land Management hours before her confirmation hearing Thursday.
The move comes two days after a watchdog group surfaced private comments in which Sgamma condemned President Donald Trump’s actions during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Mother Jones illustration; Rebecca Noble/Getty(2); Randy Pench/The Sacramento Bee/Zuma
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President Donald Trump’s convulsive tariff policy, which all but reversed course Wednesday with the caveat that the same pain would return in 90 days, continues to scramble the world’s economic order. But against the upheaval of broken alliances and global supply chains, a small anxiety is emerging among Americans with wanderlust: how to travel with the world’s most toxic passport.
Because who wants to host visitors who, if electorally judged, voted for this tumult? Even the Brits seem over us. In some ways, the question is an extension of the long-held stereotype that American travelers can be obnoxious. That they are loud and generally indifferent to local cultures. But under Trump, the stereotype feels rife for explosion.
So ahead of summer travel, I wondered: Will an American accent get your ass kicked? Should I pack a bunch of Resistance era clothing? What should I know about unlawful detentions? I called Amy Tara Koch, a travel reporter and lecturer at Northwestern University, for some quick answers on how to think about global travel during these strange times.
Samples from a water treatment plant in Wilmette, Illinois, contained toxic PFAS chemicals at levels up to 600 times higher than the EPA's latest health advisory.Erin Hooley/TNS/ZUMA
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This story was originally published by WIRED and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.
In 2021, James Kenney and his husband were at a big box store buying a piece of furniture when the sales associate asked if they’d like to add fabric protectant. Kenney, the cabinet secretary of New Mexico’s Environment Department, asked to see the product data sheet. Both he and his husband were shocked to see forever chemicals listed as ingredients in the protectant.
“I think about your normal, everyday New Mexican who is trying to get by, make their furniture last a little longer, and they think, ‘Oh, it’s safe, great!’ It’s not safe,” he says. “It just so happens that they tried to sell it to the environment secretary.”
Professional Experience
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Owner / Development Manager
SV-Technical.com — San Jose, CA
2010 - Present
Leading the development and management of technical projects, ensuring quality and efficiency in delivery.
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Development Manager
Red Wagon Web — San Jose, CA
2007 - 2010
Oversaw a team of developers, coordinating project timelines and technical requirements for web applications.
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Lead Developer
Proline Gamers Portal — San Jose, CA
2004 - 2006
Developed and maintained a robust gaming portal, enhancing user experience and system performance.
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Web Designer and Developer
Clickaticket.com — Riverside, CA
2005 - 2006
Created engaging web designs and implemented front-end functionalities for ticketing services.
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Web and Systems Administrator
JDS Uniphase (JDSU) — San Jose, CA
1999 - 2002
Managed web servers and systems, ensuring high availability and performance of corporate applications.
Core Competencies
- Project Management: Proven track record of leading projects from concept to completion.
- Web Development: Expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various web technologies.
- Team Leadership: Skilled in managing and mentoring teams to achieve project goals.
- Systems Administration: Strong background in server management and system optimization.
- UI/UX Design: Experience in creating user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing web interfaces.
- Problem Solving: Excellent analytical skills with a focus on delivering effective solutions.
We have rites that we take for granted. Here is an example of what is happening all across the nation now that Trump is deporting 20 million immigrants. Just for some perspective, numbers blown out of proportion shows only 14 million illegal immigrants. Where do the other 6 come from? People that are legally here. Mahmoud Khalil arrest video Video ...
Trump had an extremely unusual strategy during his (nearly 2 year) campaign for the 2024 presidential election. Amongst the chaos and what I remember as almost a complete saturation within our news with what Trump was saying and what was being done in response. However I have come up with something like campaign promises. I think it wou...
Summary This component and module combination will allow a site administrator to grant users the ability to store files on the server. These files can be kept private, they can be made public, or they can be password protected with the user being able to chose a passwords and share it to his friends along with a friendly URL. This is the first of m...
Trump's 2024 Campaign Promises
Summary:
Here I have tallied all the Trump (Shit-Show 2.0*) campaign promises. No particular order. Let's start with his own words and see where they end up shall we?
The recent resignations at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the appointment of Kash Patel as FBI Director raise concerns about a potential departure from a law-based government.
Based on the search results, there's been significant news regarding changes in FBI leadership. Here's a summary of what I found:
Significant Leadership Changes:There are reports of senior FBI officials being told to resign, retire, or face termination. These officials include those at the executive assistant director level and heads of FBI field offices.
These changes appear to be related to a shift in administration and associated policy changes.
Specifically there is reporting of the ousting of FBI executives, and internal reviews of personnel associated with the Jan. 6th investigations.
Key Points:The moves affect high-ranking officials, including those overseeing critical divisions like national security, cyber, and criminal investigations.
There are reports of field office leaders, such as those in Miami and Las Vegas, also receiving notice.
Former FBI director Christopher Wray has resigned.
There is reporting of agents who participated in investigations into former president Trump, taking steps to retire or leave the agency.
It's important to note that the situation is dynamic, and the full extent of the changes may continue to unfold.
Based on the information I found, there have been several notable resignations within the Department of Justice (DOJ) recently, largely stemming from a controversy surrounding the case of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Here's a breakdown:
Danielle Sassoon:
The acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, resigned after being directed to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams.
DOJ Public Integrity Division:
Following the controversy, several high-ranking officials within the DOJ's public integrity section also resigned. This includes:
The acting chief of the division.
Three deputy chiefs.
A deputy assistant attorney general in the criminal division who oversaw the section.
Kevin Driscoll and John Keller:
The acting heads of the Justice Department’s criminal and public integrity divisions, Kevin Driscoll and his deputy, John Keller, also recently resigned.
Denise Cheung:
A top supervisor in the federal prosecutors' office in Washington, Denise Cheung, resigned following a dispute with her boss over a directive to scrutinize a government contract.
Key takeaways:
These resignations highlight a significant internal conflict within the DOJ regarding the handling of the Eric Adams case.
The departures indicate a strong disagreement among DOJ officials regarding the decisions made by the department's leadership.
There are also reports of changes happening due to the change in presidential administrations.
It's important to keep in mind that these situations can evolve, and further developments may occur.