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Justice Department abandons charges on Sessions protestor

Dave Lawler, author of World

Code Pink protestors, including Fairooz, demonstrate during Sessions' hearing. Photo: Lynch/MediaPunch/IPX

The Justice Department has dropped a case against a woman who was arrested after laughing during Jeff Sessions' confirmation hearing, per the Huffington Post. Desiree Fairooz was convicted in May of "disorderly or disruptive conduct," but a judge tossed that conviction. She was set to go on trial again next week, but prosecutors dropped the charges on Monday.

Fairooz laughed after GOP Sen. Richard Shelby said during the hearing that Sessions had a "clear" record of "treating all Americans equally under the law." She then shouted that Sessions was "evil" as she was being removed from the courtroom by Capitol Police.

Go deeper

Sara Fischer, Kyle Daly
10 mins ago - Technology

Fringe right plots new attacks out of sight

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Domestic extremists are using obscure and private corners of the internet to plot new attacks ahead of Inauguration Day. Their plans are also hidden in plain sight, buried in podcasts and online video platforms.

Why it matters: Because law enforcement was caught flat-footed during last week's Capitol siege, researchers and intelligence agencies are paying more attention to online threats that could turn into real-world violence.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Sara Fischer, Margaret Harding McGill
1 hour ago - Technology

Kids’ screen time up 50% during pandemic

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

When the coronavirus lockdowns started in March, kidstech firm SuperAwesome found that screen time was up 50%. Nearly a year later, that percentage hasn't budged, according to new figures from the firm.

Why it matters: For most parents, pre-pandemic expectations around screen time are no longer realistic. The concern now has shifted from the number of hours in front of screens to the quality of screen time.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Rebecca Falconer
9 hours ago - Politics & Policy

In photos: D.C. and U.S. states on alert for pre-inauguration violence

National Guard troops stand behind security fencing with the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building behind them, on Jan. 16. Photo: Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Security has been stepped up in Washington, D.C., and state capitols across the U.S. as authorities brace for potential violence this weekend.

Driving the news: Following the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by some supporters of President Trump, the FBI has said there could be armed protests in D.C. and in all 50 state capitols in the run-up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration Wednesday.

See photos (<1 min. read)Arrow