![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaOhtani interpreter charged with stealing over $16m from baseball starPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ippei Mizuhara had been a constant companion of Shohei Ohtani since the baseball star began his stint in the USBy Max MatzaBBC NewsUS officials have charged baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, with stealing millions from the sports star.The lead prosecutor in California accused Mr Mizhuara of impersonating Mr Ohtani to banks and to place wagers. “Mr Ohtani is considered a victim in this case,” US Attorney Martin Estrada told reporters at a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. Mr Mizuhara, 39, was fired last month as news of the alleged theft emerged. Prosecutors claim that the interpreter used Mr Ohtani’s money to place bets and deposited his winnings into an account that he controlled. Between November 2021 and January 2024, officials said he wired more than $16m (£13m) in unauthorised transfers from Mr Ohtani’s account. “Mr Mizuhara did all this to feed his insatiable appetite for illegal sports gambling,” Mr Estrada said.The charging document alleges that Mr Mizuhara, who acted as Mr Ohtani’s de facto manager, took advantage of the fact that the Japanese sports star does not speak English.It said he called bank officials and “falsely identified himself as [Mr] Ohtani to trick employees into authorizing wire transfers from [Mr] Ohtani’s bank account to associates of the illegal gambling operation”.From January to March 2024, Mr Mizuhara also allegedly purchased $325,000 in baseball cards using money taken from Mr Ohtani’s account.An LA-based defence lawyer representing Mr Mizuhara declined to comment on the charges on Thursday.Last week, Mr Ohtani sat for an interview with prosecutors and denied that he allowed the interpreter access to his finances.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Ohtani says he’s ‘sad and shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter”[Mr] Ohtani provided his cellphone to law enforcement, who determined that there was no evidence to suggest that [Mr] Ohtani was aware of, or involved in, [Mr] Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activity or payment of those debts,” according to the prosecutor’s statement.The criminal charge of bank fraud carries a sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The New York Times reports he is negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors. Sports betting is legal in 38 states in America but it remains illegal in California.Major League Baseball has its own policy that bans “any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee” from betting on baseball games and placing bets with illegal bookmakers.Mr Estrada on Thursday told reporters that there is no evidence to suggest that Mr Mizuhara placed any bets on baseball games. Ohtani signed a record 10-year, $700m contract with the Dodgers before this season, becoming the face of the sports franchise. He had just won his second unanimous American League MVP award.His stint in the US started in 2018, and Mr Mizuhara had been a constant companion. He and his wife were recently seen in a picture that revealed Mr Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka, after weeks of speculation.Last month, Mr Ohtani told reporters at an LA Dodgers news conference: “I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.”Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies,” he said, speaking with the help of a different interpreter.Related TopicsInternational BusinessSports bettingJapanUnited StatesMore on this storyShohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by LA DodgersPublished21 MarchOhtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter. Video, 00:01:15Ohtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreterPublished25 March1:15How $700m ‘Shotime’ became Japan’s biggest baseball exportPublished10 December 2023Japanese baseball star unveils new wife’s identityPublished15 MarchFan frenzy as Shohei Ohtani makes Dodgers debutPublished20 MarchTop StoriesOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published9 minutes agoPostmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apologyPublished5 hours agoKey power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikesPublished1 hour agoFeaturesObituary: The spectacular fall of NFL star OJ SimpsonListen: Americast – The life and death of OJ SimpsonAttributionSoundsBowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’What is the minimum salary UK visa applicants need?UK weather: Is it turning warmer?AttributionWeatherWas South Korea’s president thwarted by a spring onion?Listen: How will Labour plug the gap in NHS funding?AttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCShould you be worried about getting enough protein?Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber unpick this macronutrient to find out what it does in our bodiesAttributionSounds’I’m not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity’Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter SellersAttributioniPlayer’I was freaking out, I knew I was in trouble’How did Australian Holly Deane-Johns end up in a notorious Thai prison?AttributionSoundsUnearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestorsBritain’s Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian LondonAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Man in court over murder of wife as she pushed pram2OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 763Postmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apology4Dazzling artwork found at ancient city of Pompeii5Gang culture at neurosurgery department, doctor alleges6Stormy conditions turn sea pink7Key power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikes8Wife died in ‘out of character’ attack by husband with dementia9Taylor Swift’s music returns to TikTok10Donelan’s libel bills cost taxpayers £34,000](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/1668B/production/_132978719_gettyimages-1848361343.jpg)
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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaOhtani interpreter charged with stealing over $16m from baseball starPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ippei Mizuhara had been a constant companion of Shohei Ohtani since the baseball star began his stint in the USBy Max MatzaBBC NewsUS officials have charged baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, with stealing millions from the sports star.The lead prosecutor in California accused Mr Mizhuara of impersonating Mr Ohtani to banks and to place wagers. “Mr Ohtani is considered a victim in this case,” US Attorney Martin Estrada told reporters at a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. Mr Mizuhara, 39, was fired last month as news of the alleged theft emerged. Prosecutors claim that the interpreter used Mr Ohtani’s money to place bets and deposited his winnings into an account that he controlled. Between November 2021 and January 2024, officials said he wired more than $16m (£13m) in unauthorised transfers from Mr Ohtani’s account. “Mr Mizuhara did all this to feed his insatiable appetite for illegal sports gambling,” Mr Estrada said.The charging document alleges that Mr Mizuhara, who acted as Mr Ohtani’s de facto manager, took advantage of the fact that the Japanese sports star does not speak English.It said he called bank officials and “falsely identified himself as [Mr] Ohtani to trick employees into authorizing wire transfers from [Mr] Ohtani’s bank account to associates of the illegal gambling operation”.From January to March 2024, Mr Mizuhara also allegedly purchased $325,000 in baseball cards using money taken from Mr Ohtani’s account.An LA-based defence lawyer representing Mr Mizuhara declined to comment on the charges on Thursday.Last week, Mr Ohtani sat for an interview with prosecutors and denied that he allowed the interpreter access to his finances.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Ohtani says he’s ‘sad and shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter”[Mr] Ohtani provided his cellphone to law enforcement, who determined that there was no evidence to suggest that [Mr] Ohtani was aware of, or involved in, [Mr] Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activity or payment of those debts,” according to the prosecutor’s statement.The criminal charge of bank fraud carries a sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The New York Times reports he is negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors. Sports betting is legal in 38 states in America but it remains illegal in California.Major League Baseball has its own policy that bans “any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee” from betting on baseball games and placing bets with illegal bookmakers.Mr Estrada on Thursday told reporters that there is no evidence to suggest that Mr Mizuhara placed any bets on baseball games. Ohtani signed a record 10-year, $700m contract with the Dodgers before this season, becoming the face of the sports franchise. He had just won his second unanimous American League MVP award.His stint in the US started in 2018, and Mr Mizuhara had been a constant companion. He and his wife were recently seen in a picture that revealed Mr Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka, after weeks of speculation.Last month, Mr Ohtani told reporters at an LA Dodgers news conference: “I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.”Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies,” he said, speaking with the help of a different interpreter.Related TopicsInternational BusinessSports bettingJapanUnited StatesMore on this storyShohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by LA DodgersPublished21 MarchOhtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter. Video, 00:01:15Ohtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreterPublished25 March1:15How $700m ‘Shotime’ became Japan’s biggest baseball exportPublished10 December 2023Japanese baseball star unveils new wife’s identityPublished15 MarchFan frenzy as Shohei Ohtani makes Dodgers debutPublished20 MarchTop StoriesOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published9 minutes agoPostmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apologyPublished5 hours agoKey power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikesPublished1 hour agoFeaturesObituary: The spectacular fall of NFL star OJ SimpsonListen: Americast – The life and death of OJ SimpsonAttributionSoundsBowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’What is the minimum salary UK visa applicants need?UK weather: Is it turning warmer?AttributionWeatherWas South Korea’s president thwarted by a spring onion?Listen: How will Labour plug the gap in NHS funding?AttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCShould you be worried about getting enough protein?Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber unpick this macronutrient to find out what it does in our bodiesAttributionSounds’I’m not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity’Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter SellersAttributioniPlayer’I was freaking out, I knew I was in trouble’How did Australian Holly Deane-Johns end up in a notorious Thai prison?AttributionSoundsUnearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestorsBritain’s Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian LondonAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Man in court over murder of wife as she pushed pram2OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 763Postmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apology4Dazzling artwork found at ancient city of Pompeii5Gang culture at neurosurgery department, doctor alleges6Stormy conditions turn sea pink7Key power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikes8Wife died in ‘out of character’ attack by husband with dementia9Taylor Swift’s music returns to TikTok10Donelan’s libel bills cost taxpayers £34,000
[ad_1] “[Mr] Ohtani provided his cellphone to law enforcement, who determined that there was no evidence to suggest that [Mr] Ohtani was aware of, or involved in, [Mr] Mizuhara’s illegal…
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityBusinessMarket DataEconomyYour MoneyCompaniesTechnology of BusinessCEO SecretsAI BusinessBoom times for US green energy as federal cash flows inPublished9 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law in August 2022By Zoe CorbynSan FranciscoIn February US company LanzaJet, which produces sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from ethanol, announced that it intended to build a second, larger plant on US soil.The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was a “big influence”, says Jimmy Samartzis, its chief executive.The second plant would add to its facility in Soperton, Georgia – the world’s first commercial scale ethanol-to-SAF plant.”We have a global landscape that we are pursuing…[but] we have doubled down on building here in the United States because of the tax credits in the IRA, and because of the overall support system that the US government has put in place.” Signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, the IRA, along with the so-called Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) enacted in November 2021, are intended, amongst other things, to funnel billions of federal dollars into developing clean energy. The aim is to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and incentivise private investment, to encourage the growth of green industries and jobs: a new foundation for the US economy.With a 10-year lifespan, and a cost originally estimated at $391bn (£310bn) but now predicted to reach over $1tn – the final figure is unknown – the IRA offers new and juicer tax credits, as well as loans and loan guarantees for the deployment of emissions reducing technology.The tax credits are available to companies for either domestically producing clean energy, or domestically manufacturing the equipment needed for the energy transition, including electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries.Consumers can also receive tax credits, for example for buying an EV or installing a heat pump. The tax credit for SAF producers like LanzaJet is new in the IRA and, offers between $1.25 to $1.75 per gallon of SAF (though it only lasts five years).Complementary is the BIL, which runs for five years and provides direct investment largely in the form of government grants for research and development and capital projects. Under the BIL, about $77bn (£61bn) will go to clean energy technology projects, according to the Brookings Institution which monitors the law. Image source, Ascend ElementsImage caption, Ascend Elements extracts useful materials from old batteriesOne company to benefit so far is EV battery recycling company Ascend Elements.It has won BIL grants totalling $480m (£380m), which it is matching a similar amount in private investment to build its second commercial facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. “[The IRA and BIL] are massive investments… larger than the infrastructure related provisions in the New Deal,” says Adie Tromer from the Brookings. “There is a clear sense that America has become more serious about transitioning to a cleaner economy.”While rules for some tax credits are still being finalized, tens of billions in actual public spending is flowing into the economy, says Trevor Houser at the Rhodium Group, an independent research provider. Rhodium, together with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, runs the Clean Investment Monitor (CIM) to track US clean technology investments.According to recently updated CIM data, in the 2023 fiscal year, the federal government invested approximately $34bn (£27bn) into clean energy, the vast majority through tax credits.The extent to which the policy instruments are so far spurring not just announcements – of which there are plenty – but real extra private investment is harder to know: clean energy investment has been on a general upward trend anyway and the IRA hasn’t been around long. But experts believe it is rising.Total clean energy investment in the US in the 2023 calendar year including from both private and government sources reached a record $239bn (£190bn), up 38% from 2022 according to the CIM data. Clean energy investment in the US, as a share of total private investment, rose from 3.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022 to 5% in the fourth quarter of 2023.The IRA has had two main positive effects thus far, says Mr Houser. It has “supercharged” private investment in more mature technologies which were already growing very rapidly like solar, EVs and batteries. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Emerging technologies like CO2 capture have seen “dramatic” growth in investmentIt has also, combined with the BIL, led to a “dramatic growth” in investment in emerging climate technologies like clean hydrogen, carbon dioxide capture and removal and SAF. While the total magnitude of those investments are still relatively small compared to the more mature technologies, “the IRA fundamentally changed the economics” says Mr Houser.But the IRA is failing to reach some parts of the green economy: so far it hasn’t lifted investment in more mature technologies which have been falling like wind and heat pumps, though Mr Houser notes things may have fallen further without the IRA.On the industry’s mind is the fate of the laws, particularly the longer-to-run IRA, should there be a change of government in the US November elections. Repealing or amending the IRA (or BIL) would require Republican control of the Presidency, Senate and House – though wholesale repeal would likely face meaningful opposition from within. The rub is many of the projects that the IRA is incentivising are being or will be built in Republican states or counties. Yet a Republican president alone could potentially frustrate things for example by slowing or deferring loans or grants, or amending the rules which serve the laws. “A Trump presidency would definitely chill the atmosphere and possibly more,” says Ashur Nissan of Kaya Partners, a climate policy advice firm.The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank and purveyor of hard-right ideas for the next conservative President, advocates repeal for both the IRA and BIL. For the organization’s Diana Furchtgott-Roth, a former Trump administration official, it is fiscally irresponsible for the US, with its vast deficit and debt, to be spending like this.It is also time, she says, that renewable energy such as solar and wind, into which subsidies have been poured for years, stood on their own feet. Yet others argue the US can’t afford not to do take this path. And the point of the loans program is to take risks to help unlock new solutions that scale. “It would be failing if there weren’t any so called ‘failures’ within it,” says Richard Youngman, of Cleantech Group, a research and consulting firm.More technology of businessThe rise of magnets – from surgery to outer spaceWhy there’s a revolution on the way in glass makingCould AI take the grind out of accountancy?‘I want to help people fly – and keep them safe’How Temu is shaking-up the world of online shoppingMeanwhile, the US’s approach is putting competitive pressure on Europe to do more.Some European clean energy manufacturing companies are now building facilities in the US to take advantage of the tax credits that otherwise would have been built in Europe including solar panel maker Meyer Burger and electrolyser manufacturers Nel and John Cockerill. “The US wasn’t a market for some of these companies in the past because Europe was more active,” says Brandon Hurlbut, of Boundary Stone Partners, a clean energy advisory firm.The EU’s Net Zero Industrial Act (NZIA) is expected to enter into force this year. It doesn’t involve new money, but seeks to coordinate existing financing and introduces domestic favourability for the first time – putting in place a non-binding target for the bloc to locally manufacture 40% of its clean energy equipment needs by 2030.In the UK, chancellor Jeremy Hunt has made clear he isn’t interested, nor can the UK afford to copy the IRA’s approach in some “distortive global subsidy race” and will stick to other ways of helping. The Labour party recently scrapped its $28bn green investment plan seen as a stab at leaning into an IRA style policy.A global audience will be watching as the US’s clean energy juggernaut unfolds. And if it leads others to ask what more they can do to produce clean energy products – even if just for reasons of economic opportunity – it will be good for humanity’s sake, says Mr Hurlbut.Related TopicsTechnology of BusinessJoe BidenTop StoriesLabour vows to fund pledges by tackling tax dodgersPublished8 minutes agoMurder suspect was bailed on threats to kill chargePublished1 hour agoSpectacular images of eclipse that transfixed North AmericaFeaturesEclipse seen in Scotland but rest of UK misses outThe eclipse at Niagara Falls: ‘Wow! Spectacular’ VideoThe eclipse at Niagara Falls: ‘Wow! Spectacular’The Syria I came back to is not the one I leftThe Papers: Labour’s tax loophole plan, and council ‘fat cats”Why I rewrote Huckleberry Finn to give slave Jim a voice”Carrot harvest helped me detect ancient coin hoard’BBC reporter: How I was targeted in the Westminster honeytrapWhy is Russia trying to frame Ukraine for concert massacre?Amy Winehouse film: ‘Paparazzi are the villains’ not BlakeElsewhere on the BBCThe huge challenge and risk of climbing EverestRebecca Stephens, the first British woman to reach the summit, explores the global obsessionAttributionSoundsThe Monty Python star’s overlooked radio work…John McCarthy invites Michael Palin to celebrate his career, as heard on BBC radioAttributionSounds’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerHow did the Queen jump out of a helicopter?The writer of the scene for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games reveals allAttributionSoundsMost Read1One in hospital after flooding at holiday camp2Murder suspect was bailed on threats to kill charge3Labour’s tax loophole plan, and council ‘fat cats’4Record hot March sparks ‘uncharted territory’ fear5Wragg quits Commons job over Westminster honeytrap6Eclipse seen in Scotland but rest of UK misses out7David Cameron meets Trump in Florida during US visit8Living near Sure Start boosted GCSEs – study9Labour vows to fund pledges by tackling tax dodgers10Together in wonder: North America awed by total solar eclipse](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/4C54/production/_133104591_avnos_getty.jpg)
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBiden hosts star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and ClintonPublished44 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS election 2024Image source, ReutersImage caption, President Joe Biden was joined by his predecessors, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, for a fundraiser his team says will raise over $25m.By Bernd Debusmann Jr, travelling with President Biden, & Brandon Drenon, Washington DCBBC NewsUS President Joe Biden hosted a record-breaking election fundraiser in New York City, alongside his predecessors Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.His team said the star-studded evening at Radio City Music Hall would raise over $26m (£21m) for the campaign – a record for a single political event.The president has a cash advantage over Republican Donald Trump so can spend more on advertising in key states. Polls suggest the race for the White House rests on a knife edge.Mr Trump attacked the event’s guest list as “deranged Hollywood liberals”. His campaign said on Thursday that the cash disparity demonstrated the difference between Democratic reliance on billionaires in contrast to the working-class supporters donating to the former president.The high stakes of November’s election were underlined by the speeches at the Biden event in New York. Senate Majority Leader and New York Senator Chuck Schumer told the raucous crowd of 5,000 Democrats they must do whatever they could to ensure that the “dishonest, chaotic, ineffective regime of Donald Trump” did not return.Comedian Mindy Kaling hosted the event and spoke just moments after singer Lizzo finished a rendition of her hit About Damn Time. Other stars such as Queen Latifah and Cynthia Erivo also took the stage. But the longest standing ovation was saved for the moment when the three presidents – Mr Biden, Mr Obama and Mr Clinton – came out. Chants of “four more years” echoed throughout the auditorium for Mr Biden. “Three presidents… and none of them are here [in New York] to go to court,” joked comedian Stephen Colbert, alluding to Mr Trump’s legal troubles. Image source, ReutersImage caption, The discussion between the three presidents was moderated by comedian Stephen Colbert.The late-night comedy host then moderated a conversation between the three presidents.Mr Biden began with an oft-repeated slogan, saying democracy was at stake in this election. He said Mr Trump had a “perverse view of the world”, noting his opponent’s vocal support of those who participated in the 6 January Capitol Riot and his buoying of authoritarian leaders abroad.”But I’m really hopeful,” the president added. “If we get by this election, we can set the course for the next four, five, six decades.”Mr Obama, for his part, touted Biden’s legislative victories. He said the president had done everything from reducing the cost of medicine to creating jobs – particularly for African Americans.He added that Mr Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, and his supporters seemed “increasingly unconcerned with the essence of America”, which he said was centred on the idea of “bridging our differences and moving forward”.Mr Clinton, meanwhile, accused Mr Trump of “stealing a few good years” from the back of Mr Obama’s administration and somehow claiming “overnight” successes.The four men ended their time on stage by putting on aviator sunglasses in an impression of Mr Biden, which earned a standing ovation. First Lady Jill Biden was due to host a private after-party for 500 guests. The president’s son, Hunter Biden, and his family were to attend.The tickets were priced between $225 and half-a-million dollars. For $100,000, guests could get a picture with Mr Biden, Mr Obama and Mr Clinton, with star photographer Annie Leibovitz taking the snaps.While the three presidents were on the same page during their time on stage, the event did not pass without incident.Protesters who condemn Israel for its invasion of the Gaza Strip gathered outside Radio City Music Hall to call for a ceasefire. Some were able to interrupt the event inside the theatre as well. Mr Biden quickly took up the issue over the shouts of the protesters and to the applause of the crowd. “There has to be a two-state solution, a progression,” he said. “But I’m confident that can be done with Israel’s integrity… preserved.”Image source, ReutersImage caption, Pro-Palestinian protesters were outside the event, and some were able to interrupt the fundraiser inside as well.The Israel-Gaza war is one of the issues that has been dragging down Mr Biden’s approval rating. Voters are also unhappy about the economy, inflation and immigration. Top UN court orders Israel to allow aid into Gaza Facing lagging approval ratings, the 81-year-old has worked to capitalise on momentum following his well-received State of the Union Address earlier this month.The Biden campaign recently declared it had $155m cash on hand, which it said was the biggest war chest any Democratic candidate had ever possessed at this point in an election cycle.Mr Trump and his political action committees reported having $74m.More on the US electionExplained: A simple guide to the US 2024 electionAnalysis: Where Biden v Trump will be won and lostPolicies: What a Trump second term would look likeThe president’s fundraising lead over Mr Trump – who is seeking a return to the White House four years after his presidency ended – has been boosted by the advantage of incumbency, experts say.”Biden raising a lot of money is probably a function of him not having any real primary challengers,” Joseph Campbell, a communications professor at American University, told the BBC. “There’s no competition for Democratic donor money.” Mr Trump’s campaign and his joint fundraising committee – which have helped pay the former president’s legal bills – brought in $20m in the whole of February, less than what the Biden campaign expects to receive just from Thursday’s event. While Mr Biden has been criss-crossing the country in recent weeks, Mr Trump has kept a lower political profile as he juggles court appearances. But he also appeared in the New York area on Thursday, attending the wake of a police officer, Jonathan Diller, who was shot and killed in the line of duty. His campaign contrasted his attendance at the wake with Mr Biden’s decision to attend “a glitzy fundraiser in the city with their elitist, out-of-touch celebrity benefactors” alongside Mr Obama and Mr Clinton.President Biden was joined on the Air Force One flight to New York by Mr Obama, who remains close to his former vice-president. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Biden and Obama exit Air Force One in New York City to attend campaign fundraiserNew York ground to a halt for their arrival as the two men’s huge motorcade cut across Manhattan in the pouring rain as hundreds of onlookers jostled to take pictures ahead of the fundraiser.Mr Trump, 77, blasted the Democratic event in a fundraising campaign email on Thursday morning. “Hundreds of deranged Hollywood liberals will be in attendance, and they will open their wallets to fund the destruction of this country!” the message said. Mr Biden’s campaign has spent tens of millions on TV and digital advertising targeting black and Latino voters, as the president seeks to hold together the coalition that put him in the White House in the 2020 election.Some opinion polls have suggested that loyalty among these key voting blocs could be softening, though recent surveys show the president’s approval could be beginning to rebound.The 2024 presidential election cycle is predicted to be the most expensive in history, with an estimated $2.7bn spent on presidential campaign ads alone.If you’re in the UK, sign up here.And if you’re anywhere else, sign up here.Related TopicsBill ClintonNew York CityUS election 2024Donald TrumpBarack ObamaUnited StatesJoe BidenTop StoriesWar is real and Europe is not ready, warns Poland’s TuskPublished1 hour agoJohn Boyega: Damilola Taylor death changed my lifePublished1 hour agoTop UN court orders Israel to allow aid into GazaPublished3 hours agoFeaturesWaiting for Evan, Putin’s ‘bargaining chip’ in Russian jailLife after Pontins swapped tourists for tradespeopleWeekly quiz: How much did Kate’s Titanic piece of wood sell for?Beyoncé’s country album: The verdictWe’ve won £80k by entering 50 competitions a dayCould artificial intelligence benefit democracy?Vice, Vice, Baby: Who’ll be Trump’s running mate?AttributionSoundsI’m not ashamed of who I am any more, says LionessHow do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?Elsewhere on the BBCHow are jelly beans made?Gregg Wallace visits a Dublin factory that makes over ten million of the sweets per day!AttributioniPlayerIf aliens existed, what would they look like?Let Brian Cox and Robin Ince guide you through the universe’s big questionsAttributionSoundsThe ultimate bromanceEnjoy the genius of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore with a journey through the archivesAttributioniPlayerThe deadly history of wallpaper…Discover the extraordinary stories of the ordinary items all around youAttributionSoundsMost Read1War is real and Europe is not ready, warns Poland’s Tusk2Scotland ‘hoodwinked’ by Trump, says former aide3Army lifts ban on serving soldiers having beards4Questions raised over Temu cash ‘giveaway’ offer5John Boyega: Damilola Taylor death changed my life6Sunak faces criticism as major Tory donor knighted7Man arrested over death of Gogglebox star released8Easter getaway begins with flood alerts in place9Attempted murder charge after man stabbed on train10Life after Pontins swapped tourists for tradespeople](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/6EA4/production/_133042382_8bd24a353181565fe8737cbfdc70196426f10c3e0_469_4505_25341000x563.jpg)
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaRussian network that ‘paid European politicians’ busted, authorities claimPublished35 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said members of the European Parliament had been paid by the networkBy Ido VockBBC NewsA Russian-backed “propaganda” network has been broken up for spreading anti-Ukraine stories and paying unnamed European politicians, according to authorities in several countries.Investigators claimed it used the popular Voice of Europe website as a vehicle to pay politicians.The Czech Republic and Poland said the network aimed to influence European elections. Voice of Europe did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment.Czech media, citing the countries intelligence agency BIS, reported that politicians from Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Hungary were paid by Voice of Europe in order to influence upcoming elections for the European Parliament. The German newspaper, Der Spiegel, said the money was either handed over in cash in covert meetings in Prague or through cryptocurrency exchanges.Pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk is alleged by the Czech Republic to be behind the network. Mr Medvedchuk was arrested in Ukraine soon after the Russian invasion, but later transferred to Russia with about 50 prisoners of war in exchange for 215 Ukrainians. Czech authorities also named Artyom Marchevsky, alleging he managed the day-to-day business of the website. Both men were sanctioned by Czech authorities. Poland’s intelligence agency said it had conducted searches in the Warsaw and Tychy regions and seized €48,500 (£41,500) and $36,000 (£28,500). “Money from Moscow has been used to pay some political actors who spread Russian propaganda,” BIS said in a statement. It added that the sums amounted to “millions” of Czech crowns (tens of thousands of pounds). The alleged propaganda network “aimed to carry out activities against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine,” BIS said.BIS did not name the politicians allegedly involved. However, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo alleged they included members of the European Parliament.”It came for example to light that Russia has approached MEPs, but also paid [them], to promote Russian propaganda here,” Mr De Croo told Belgian MPs.The Voice of Europe website was offline on Thursday. An archived version of its homepage showed several articles highlighting internal divisions within European countries and expressing scepticism about support for Ukraine. These included: “Protest in Prague: people’s voice against corruption, military support for Ukraine, and government”, and “Ukraine’s army faces a mounting troop shortage amid ongoing challenges”. Voice of Europe had more than 180,000 followers on Twitter/X. 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