White House appoints new legislative affairs director

White House. Robert Alexander/Getty Images

The White House has announced the appointment of a new legislative affairs director, Shahira Knight. The announcement shortly follows news that Marc Short, current director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, is stepping down later this month.

The details: In a statement, the White House highlighted that Knight "brings over two decades of legislative and policy experience to the role. Previously, Ms. Knight served as Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council."

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Nxivm cult leader Keith Raniere sentenced to life in prison

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Nxivm cult leader Keith Raniere, 60, was sentenced to 120 years in prison on Tuesday in federal court for sex trafficking among other crimes, the New York Times reports.

Catch up quick: Raniere was convicted last summer with sex trafficking, conspiracy, sexual exploitation of a child, racketeering, forced labor and possession of child pornography. His so-called self-improvement workshops, which disguised rampant sexual abuse, were popular among Hollywood and business circles.

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