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Ret. Army Ranger Dr. Tony Brooks, a US veteran who deployed to Afghanistan in 2005, said he knew the 20-year war was lost nearly a decade ago. 

But seeing the heartbreaking images coming from Kabul and listening to the punditry that has saturated the news cycle in recent days as the Taliban takes control of the country following the drawdown of US forces, hasn't made the outcome of Brooks' foresight any easier to swallow. 

"I've experienced every single emotion that you can have," he told Insider. "From anger, to sadness, to happiness that our troops are coming home, to disappointment, to abandonment."

"It's been a very emotional week for veterans, and anyone who served overseas, and anyone really, who cares about human rights," he added. 

Brooks watched in horror, along with the rest of the world, as the US-backed Afghan government collapsed in a matter of days following the US's withdrawal after 20 years in the country, allowing the Taliban to regain control with haste and ease. 

Brooks, now 38, was only a freshman in college when the September 11 attacks spurred his enlistment. Seeing the heartbreaking image of "The Falling Man" — a photograph of a man plummeting from the World Trade Center during the terrorist attacks — awoke something within him.

"When I saw that, I knew I had to leave college to do something," he said. 

In 2005, he deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment and later served two tours in Iraq in 2006 and 2007. 

But even after he returned home, Brooks said Afghanistan and its people remained close to his heart. The advancement of women's rights in the country became a point of passion for Brooks, who noted the harsh restrictions placed on women in the country the last time the Taliban took control in the 1990s.

"A lot of us are fearing them falling back into that," he said. "I think that's definitely what bothers me the most."

For fifteen years, Brooks kept in contact with his fellow service members and the Afghan people who aided America, including his former interpreter — a "big ol' guy" with a "kind soul" — who Brooks hasn't been able to reach for weeks.

"I'm not sure where he's at," he said. "I'm hoping he is safe."

It was about a month ago when the veteran community launched a concerted effort to try and assist past interpreters and assure their safe evacuation from the country, Brooks said, an indication that many in the military community saw the collapse coming. 

But while he's battled myriad emotions in recent days, Brooks says the most prominent one by far, has been anger. 

"I put [the blame] firmly on the politicians' shoulders," he said. "They're the ones who make the decisions on whether to start or end a war and they've all failed."

Over the years, Brooks said he became disillusioned by the US's involvement in the region as he watched his friends and former leaders die. 

"We were sent over there to fight a war we weren't allowed to win," he said. "We were walking around playing a game of Whack-a-Mole and we were only allowed to hit the mole when it popped up and shot at us."

While he hopes the "utter failure" of Afghanistan will prove a lesson for US politicians moving forward, Brooks said his primary concerns right now are protecting the people of Afghanistan and supporting his fellow veterans.

"We all have the same feelings. We're all angry, all upset," he said of service members. 

"I'm worried about the future of our veteran population right now," he added. "Seeing this over and over is not good. 

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The Texas House of Representatives officially met quorum Thursday night over a month after state House Democrats fled the state in an attempt to prevent a GOP voting law from passing.

The Texas Constitution states that each chamber of the legislature must have two-thirds of its members present to do business. Enough house Democrats walked out of the house chamber at the end of the regular legislative session in May to break the quorum and prevent a GOP voting bill from passing.

 

Gov. Greg Abbott declared a special legislative session soon after, but a large coalition of house Democrats had already fled from the state to Washington, DC, in July to petition congressional leaders into passing election reform to no avail. Still, it was enough to prevent the house from ever meeting quorum and passing legislation in the first special session.

Abbott began a second special session on August 7, leading Speaker of the House Dade Phelan to issue a "Call of the House" order commanding representatives to return to the chamber at risk of detainment. No Democrats were ever arrested and each reentered the chamber of their own volition.

Now that a quorum in the house has been restored, the state legislature will begin debating and voting on legislation that fits Abbott's second session agenda which includes:

• Election and voting reform
  
  • Prohibits drive-through voting
  • Bans 24-hour voting sites
  • Prevents counties from sending out absentee ballots without a request
  • Lowers the threshold to overturn and challenge election results
• Banning transgender children from playing on a school sports team that corresponds with their gender identity
• Banning critical race theory from being taught 
• Re-funding the legislature and legislative staff 

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The Texas House of Representatives officially met quorum Thursday night over a month after state House Democrats fled the state in an attempt to prevent a GOP voting law from passing.

The Texas Constitution states that each chamber of the legislature must have two-thirds of its members present to do business. Enough house Democrats walked out of the house chamber at the end of the regular legislative session in May to break the quorum and prevent a GOP voting bill from passing.

 

Gov. Greg Abbott declared a special legislative session soon after, but a large coalition of house Democrats had already fled from the state to Washington, DC, in July to petition congressional leaders into passing election reform to no avail. Still, it was enough to prevent the house from ever meeting quorum and passing legislation in the first special session.

Abbott began a second special session on August 7, leading Speaker of the House Dade Phelan to issue a "Call of the House" order commanding representatives to return to the chamber at risk of detainment. No Democrats were ever arrested and each reentered the chamber of their own volition.

Now that a quorum in the house has been restored, the state legislature will begin debating and voting on legislation that fits Abbott's second session agenda which includes:

• Election and voting reform
  
  • Prohibits drive-through voting
  • Bans 24-hour voting sites
  • Prevents counties from sending out absentee ballots without a request
  • Lowers the threshold to overturn and challenge election results
• Banning transgender children from playing on a school sports team that corresponds with their gender identity
• Banning critical race theory from being taught 
• Re-funding the legislature and legislative staff 

Join the conversation about this story »

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US Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Shelly's first big combat mission as an A-10 Warthog pilot was a nighttime attack on a Taliban training camp in the mountains of Afghanistan.

"These were Taliban who were training to kill friendlies, to kill Americans," Shelly said.

US ground forces started the attack with a barrage of rocket artillery, which was followed by bombs dropped from bombers and strike fighters.

"It looked like an ant hill exploded," Shelly said, describing what he could see that night in his targeting pod. "All these enemies were running down the hill."

Relying on targeting guidance from an AC-130 gunship, Shelly and his flight lead made seven passes, firing almost all of the 1,150 rounds each of their A-10s carried. 

"My flight lead ended up emptying his gun and I nearly emptied all of mine on the enemy running down the mountain," he said. Shelly had about 100 rounds left when the fighting was finished.

That mission was during his first deployment to Afghanistan in 2009, a few years after Shelly joined the Air Force and about a year after he graduated from A-10 training, where he fired the cannon for the first time.

'It shakes the whole airplane'

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly called the "Warthog," is basically a flying gun. It is built around the 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger, a powerful cannon able to fire at a rate of roughly 4,000 rounds per minute. The seven-barrel gun was designed for close air support (CAS) missions and is famous for the thundering "BRRRRRRT" noise it makes when fired.

Shelly, now the commander of the 74th Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base and a seasoned A-10 pilot with 16 years in the Air Force and multiple combat deployments, told Insider that "the coolest thing I've ever done in an airplane to this day is shooting the gun."

"It's about two months into training before you actually shoot the gun, and it's a big deal" he said. "They make a big deal out of it because the gun is a big deal for the A-10."

"It is like when you're a kid and your dad finally lets you shoot off all the fireworks by yourself," Shelly said. "When you're shooting the gun yourself, that's what it's like. It is like I finally get the keys to the car. I get to light the fireworks myself."

A-10 pilots fire the aircraft's cannon in short bursts, with a combat burst lasting about two seconds.

Firing the gun fills the cockpit with the smell of cordite, an explosive propellant which smells like "a mixture of gunpowder and an electrical fire."

It can be pretty loud too. Pilots actually wear two layers of ear protection when they fly. More than hearing and smelling it, A-10 pilots feel it.

"It feels like driving over railroad tracks. That is what it feels like." Shelly said. "You're sitting right on top of the gun, so it shakes the whole airplane."

'I like this fighter-type flying'

In addition to the cannon, the A-10 Thunderbolt II can carry up to 16,000 pounds of varied munitions. This aircraft, which was first introduced in the 1970s, is the first US Air Force plane that was specifically built for close air support missions and engaging ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles, according to the service.

The Warthog can fight from austere locations, and it can even battle enemy aircraft if necessary. It is an awesome plane, especially with some of the upgrades in the A-10C, and it is loved by the pilots who fly it. But it was not Shelly's expected choice.

"I've always been around airplanes and wanted to fly," Shelly, whose father is a civilian pilot and who began flying small aircraft when he was 16, said. Shelly grew up in Kansas, where his father worked primarily as a tanker engineer at Boeing, exposing him to big aircraft like the KC-135 Stratotanker.

"I wanted to fly big airplanes," Shelly told Insider. "I had been around tankers, and I liked the tanker mission."

"That's what I wanted to do when I started my pilot training, but then I flew the T-6 [Texan], which is the first airplane that you fly in pilot training," Shelly said. "I was like, you know what, I like this fighter-type flying. I like flying upside down. I like pulling Gs. I like doing all those kinds of things."

Shelly shifted to a training path that ultimately led him to the A-10. A brief period when he served as an MQ-9 Reaper drone operator aside, he has been all in for the A-10 throughout his Air Force career. For him, at least, flying the A-10 is about so much more than the thrill.

'Protecting the friendlies on the ground'

"We are attack pilots because we fly an attack airplane. We fly a flying gun," Shelly said. "But most of all, we have a very distinct and designated mission of close air support. That means protecting friendlies on the ground, and we take a lot of pride in that."

For Shelly, that CAS mission and the culture associated with it is more important than the aircraft itself, which the Air Force plans to eventually phase out.

"I'm going to do everything I can to fly the A-10 until its gone," Shelly said. "But if I was forced to go fly something else because the A-10 was not there, my answer would be the F-35." The fifth-generation fighter is a very different aircraft, but it could be used for close air support.

"I am not as worried about the airframe as I am about the close air support culture," he said. "I don't want to lose that culture, that corporate knowledge, the understanding of how CAS works and the tactics, techniques, and procedures we have built in the A-10 community."

"We cannot lose that. We cannot afford to lose that," Shelly said. "We still have to be experts at that because the guys on the ground require that from us."

"My three priorities for the squadron are protect our friendlies, protect our families, and protect our future," the squadron commander said.

"The number one thing there is to protect our friendlies," he said. "It is our job to be experts at close air support and the A-10 so that when we have to protect our friendlies against the enemy, there is no question that we are ready to do that."

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Around two dozen State Department officials warned last month that the US-backed Afghan government could collapse soon after the August 31 withdrawal of American forces, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The July 13 cable was sent via the department's dissent channel, where diplomats are invited to share constructive criticism of US policy, The Journal reported.

Although US intelligence had determined the Afghan government's grip on power was tenuous, few — dissenters included — expected it would fall even before US soldiers left the country. The sudden collapse, which saw the Taliban take over the capital, Kabul, this week, left thousands of US citizens and many more vulnerable Afghans stranded.

According to The Journal, the dissent cable had "offered recommendations on ways to mitigate the crisis and speed up an evacuation."

Ned Price, a spokesperson for the department, told Insider that each cable sent through the dissent channel is read by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"We value constructive internal dissent. It's patriotic. It's protected. And it makes us more effective," Price said. He did not comment on the contents of the dispatch itself.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com

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Around two dozen State Department officials warned last month that the US-backed Afghan government could collapse soon after the August 31 withdrawal of American forces, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The July 13 cable was sent via the department's dissent channel, where diplomats are invited to share constructive criticism of US policy, The Journal reported.

Although US intelligence had determined the Afghan government's grip on power was tenuous, few — dissenters included — expected it would fall even before US soldiers left the country. The sudden collapse, which saw the Taliban take over the capital, Kabul, this week, left thousands of US citizens and many more vulnerable Afghans stranded.

According to The Journal, the dissent cable had "offered recommendations on ways to mitigate the crisis and speed up an evacuation."

Ned Price, a spokesperson for the department, told Insider that each cable sent through the dissent channel is read by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"We value constructive internal dissent. It's patriotic. It's protected. And it makes us more effective," Price said. He did not comment on the contents of the dispatch itself.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com

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NOW WATCH: What would happen if you never washed your sheets

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The rise of streaming platforms has made accessing your favorite shows and movies almost effortless, allowing many people to ditch their cable subscription to view a vast library of online content through applications.

Roku, which surpassed 100 million users in the US in 2020, has steadily become one of the most popular streaming options for cord cutters.

What is Roku? 

Roku is a brand of digital media streaming devices produced by the company Roku Inc. Roku devices connect to your TV or exist as software within a smart TV, and enable you to watch TV shows, news, movies, and other content over the internet through downloadable channels.

Roku's name derives from the Japanese word for "six," since it's the sixth company launched by its founder Anthony Wood. In 2008, the Roku DVP N1000 was the first product the company launched, and Roku has been improving and iterating on its devices since then.

Roku functions through its proprietary operating system and on hardware that comes in several variations. The most recognizable options come in the form of a streaming stick or rounded-square box. Roku also has a line of smart TVs, or Roku TVs, with a built-in operating system. The price range for Roku devices starts with the Roku Express at $29.99 and extends to Roku TV models north of $200. 

Some popular options of Roku devices include:

• Roku Express
• Roku Express 4K+
• Roku Ultra
• Roku Streaming Stick+
• Roku Streambar
• Roku Streambar Pro
• Roku TVs

If you want a more immersive experience, Roku offers additional products to heighten the audio quality of your TV. Devices like the Roku Streambar connect directly to your TV and serve as both a streaming device and soundbar. There's also the option of adding a Roku Wireless Subwoofer to add deeper bass or the Roku Wireless Speakers for more immersive sound. 

How Roku devices work

The design of Roku products is meant to be simplistic, with a single-connection setup that allows for immediate use. After setup, you're able to download, install, purchase or subscribe to streaming channels and remove them later at your discretion, as we detail in the sections below. 

Whether you have a Roku-enabled soundbar or a Roku player, the functionality of Roku devices is similar. All Roku devices require an internet connection for use. This can be through the use of an Ethernet cord or a Wi-Fi connection.

Related Article Module: How to connect your Roku device to a TV and set it up for streaming

Each Roku box contains an HDMI cable, a power adapter, MicroUSB cable, and a Roku remote. You can insert a Roku Streaming Stick directly into your TV's USB port. For other Roku devices, you'll attach the HDMI cable, plug in the power adapter, and utilize the Roku remote to connect to a wireless or wired connection to your home network to complete the setup.

What you can watch with Roku

After initial setup, Roku gives you the opportunity to install a wide variety of applications for streaming content. Among its thousands of channels, Roku gives you access to live local networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. All major streaming services have apps on Roku, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO Max. Alongside video apps like YouTube and Vimeo, Roku allows you to download music streaming platforms like Spotify or Pandora.

Adding channels on Roku is a straightforward process. Access the Home Menu and scroll down until you reach Streaming Channels, then click OK. You'll be taken to the Roku Channel Store where a majority of the apps are free to download. You can manually search through apps using the Roku remote or voice commands. This feature allows you to search without closing the current app you may be watching.

How to connect to Roku with other devices

Roku is also available as an app for smartphone users. Its software allows you to view Roku's programming at home and on the go. Not only can you watch content from your mobile device, but it can also function as a remote for your Roku player. The integration between your Roku hardware and the mobile software gives you the power to launch, add, and remove channels. Since it's connected to your phone, you can also cast photos and videos to your TV or mirror your phone screen.

Roku's latest models support Apple's AirPlay, a feature that is integrated across MacOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices and allows for seamless casting and screen mirroring.

How to pair a Roku remote that isn't pairing automaticallyHow to turn on any Roku playerHow to set up any model of Roku player and remoteHow to update your Roku device manually in 5 simple steps

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An ally of former President Donald Trump who has been trying to bring an Arizona-style "forensic audit" to Pennsylvania says he's been thwarted by "the powers that be."

Earlier this summer, Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano sent letters to three Pennsylvania counties demanding materials related to the 2020 election. That came after the lawmaker endorsed a campaign led by QAnon conspiracy theorists to pursue a statewide "audit" over claims that China rigged the election for President Joe Biden — a campaign thus far rejected by Pennsylvania's GOP leaders.

Biden won Pennsylvania by more than 80,000 votes in what state and national officials, including those who worked for the Trump administration, described as an election that was "the most secure in American history."

In a video streamed on Facebook, Mastriano indicated Thursday that Republican leaders were standing in the way of his go-it-alone audit and blocking him from issuing subpoenas to elections officials in York, Philadelphia, and Tioga counties, all of whom have refused to comply with his previous requests. Local radio station WHYY suggested he needs quorum for his committee to meet.

"The powers that be made sure that didn't happen," Mastriano said in the video, as reported by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Mastriano is chair of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, which has subpoena power but does not oversee elections, the newspaper noted.

"I would say we're not in a very good spot right now," the lawmaker said in the video, which has since been deleted. "I put my name out there to get it done and I've been stopped for the time being."

Mastriano — who paid for buses to bring protesters to Washington, DC, on January 6 — added that he had "burned a lot of bridges," but also asserted that this latest obstacle was only a "momentary impediment."

Mastriano also claimed he had been the victim of "betrayal" from the leaders of the Audit the Vote PA, the group that has sought a statewide review, the Capital-Star reported. Its founders have promoted conspiracy theories such as PizzaGate, falsely accusing Democrats of running pedophile rings.

"I've warned these ladies — don't let it get to your head. Watch out for pride. Remember those who helped you get there," he said.

The cause, at least for now, "is weakened and diminished," he said.

The senator did not respond to a request for comment.

Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com

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An ally of former President Donald Trump who has been trying to bring an Arizona-style "forensic audit" to Pennsylvania says he's been thwarted by "the powers that be."

Earlier this summer, Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano sent letters to three Pennsylvania counties demanding materials related to the 2020 election. That came after the lawmaker endorsed a campaign led by QAnon conspiracy theorists to pursue a statewide "audit" over claims that China rigged the election for President Joe Biden — a campaign thus far rejected by Pennsylvania's GOP leaders.

Biden won Pennsylvania by more than 80,000 votes in what state and national officials, including those who worked for the Trump administration, described as an election that was "the most secure in American history."

In a video streamed on Facebook, Mastriano indicated Thursday that Republican leaders were standing in the way of his go-it-alone audit and blocking him from issuing subpoenas to elections officials in York, Philadelphia, and Tioga counties, all of whom have refused to comply with his previous requests. Local radio station WHYY suggested he needs quorum for his committee to meet.

"The powers that be made sure that didn't happen," Mastriano said in the video, as reported by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Mastriano is chair of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, which has subpoena power but does not oversee elections, the newspaper noted.

"I would say we're not in a very good spot right now," the lawmaker said in the video, which has since been deleted. "I put my name out there to get it done and I've been stopped for the time being."

Mastriano — who paid for buses to bring protesters to Washington, DC, on January 6 — added that he had "burned a lot of bridges," but also asserted that this latest obstacle was only a "momentary impediment."

Mastriano also claimed he had been the victim of "betrayal" from the leaders of the Audit the Vote PA, the group that has sought a statewide review, the Capital-Star reported. Its founders have promoted conspiracy theories such as PizzaGate, falsely accusing Democrats of running pedophile rings.

"I've warned these ladies — don't let it get to your head. Watch out for pride. Remember those who helped you get there," he said.

The cause, at least for now, "is weakened and diminished," he said.

The senator did not respond to a request for comment.

Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com

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A photojournalist was assaulted by a Taliban fighter while reporting on Afghanistan Independence Day protests in Kabul on Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported.

LA Times photographer Marcus Yam has been reporting on the scene in Kabul after the fall of the capital to Taliban forces over the weekend.

On Thursday, Afghans crowded in the streets to protest the new Taliban regime as well as celebrate Afghanistan Independence Day. Armed Taliban fighters monitored the gatherings in an attempt to quell dissent.

"Around 200 Afghans rally and march towards Pashtunistan Square in Kabul with the Republic's national flags and banners, chanting: "Death to Pakistan," "God Bless Afghanistan," "Long Live the National Flag of Afghanistan," Yam tweeted earlier Thursday.

According to the LA Times report, a group of Taliban militants pointed their guns at a group of Afghans attempting to raise the traditional flag of Afghanistan instead of the white Taliban banner.

Yam attended the protests to photograph the scene when he was punched in the side of the head by a Taliban fighter, the LA Times reported.

"The fighter continued to beat Yam and another photographer working for a major US newspaper and then to demand they erase the images they had shot," citing the report, adding that "Yam said at one point he was on his knees urging the armed fighter not to hurt him."

According to the report, Yam and the other unnamed photojournalist were held by Taliban militants for about 20 minutes. An English-speaking Taliban fighter later approached and asked the men who they worked for and attempted to defuse the situation, "aware that attacking Western media was not in keeping with the image that the Taliban leadership is trying to project."

"He offered the photographers an energy drink and released them," the report said.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Times said the publication had nothing further to comment beyond the reporting included in the article.

Entertainment journalist Amy Kaufman of the LA Times tweeted her well-wishes to Yam as he continues to report on the new Taliban rule amid the risks and dangers that come with the job.

"Our incredible photographer @yamphoto is in Kabul, literally risking his life to document the news," Kaufman wrote. "We're all thinking of you, Marcus."

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When using multiple applications or sites owned by the same organization, it can be time-consuming and more than a little frustrating to have to enter several different usernames and passwords. That's where single sign-on comes in.

What is single sign-on?

Single sign-on (SSO) is a popular authentication method designed to simplify the login experience by allowing users to enter a single set of credentials for access to multiple applications.

The process works by relying on a relationship between a service provider (a website or application) and an identity provider (the SSO system). The two exchange certificates containing identity information. This ID, which comes in the form of login tokens, contains information about the user, such as a username or email and password, to allow the service provider to know the connection is from a trusted source.

How does single sign-on work?

While a SSO login is simple for the user, the technical process behind it is quite complex. Here's a breakdown of how SSO works. 

1. The user opens the website or application they wish to use, at which point the service provider sends a token to the SSO system in a request to authenticate the user. 

2. If the user has already been identified — that is, they've logged in on a previous visit or on another application or website under the same SSO umbrella — access is granted. If the user hasn't logged in, they'll be asked to do so. 

3. When the identity provider validates the credentials entered by the user, it will send a token to the service provider to signify authentication. 

4. The service provider grants access to the user. 

While SSO may not be right for every organization, for those with multiple applications or websites under their umbrella, it can be a good choice not only from an administrative standpoint and in terms of user satisfaction.

Advantages of single sign-on 

• SSO allows users to access applications and accounts much more quickly and with less hassle.
• Users only need to remember one set of credentials, such as a username and a single password. 
• Services that utilize SSO may spend much less time helping users with lost passwords.
• Administrators can centralize control over user access to platforms and easily grant permissions for or remove permissions from users. 
• Administrators can better enforce strong passwords and security standards across applications.   

Disadvantages of single sign-on 

• SSO can present security risks, as it only requires one set of credentials for access to multiple applications. Organizations can help mitigate this by requiring strong passwords from users.
• Implementing SSO can be a complex and costly project since a detailed discovery phase is necessary to ensure the right processes and technologies are implemented. 
• If the SSO system goes down, users would lose access to all the applications that come under its umbrella rather than just a single site or service. 
• If an SSO account is hacked, that bad actor would have access to all applications, thereby exposing a large amount of private data.

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On August 20, "Reminiscence" receives a simultaneous release in theaters and on HBO Max. Only subscribers to HBO Max's ad-free plan will be able to stream the movie at home.

The sci-fi adventure stars Hugh Jackman as a private investigator who can access and relive memories. When a client (Rebecca Ferguson) disappears under peculiar circumstances, he's determined to uncover the truth and find her. 

The dystopian movie is written and directed by "Westworld" co-creator Lisa Joy. "Reminiscence" is Joy's first feature film. "Westworld" will return for a fourth season on HBO in 2022. You can stream the first three seasons right now on HBO Max.

Where to watch 'Reminiscence'

"Reminiscence" will be available to watch in theaters and with HBO Max on August 20. The movie will remain on HBO Max for 31 days. To stream "Reminiscence" and other theatrical premieres with HBO Max, you need a subscription to the ad-free plan ($15/month).

The streaming service also offers a cheaper ad-supported plan for $10 a month, but this option does not include access to brand-new theatrical releases like "Reminiscence" and "The Suicide Squad."

If you subscribe to Hulu, you can claim a free one-week trial of the HBO Max add-on. Only new HBO Max members are eligible for this promotion.

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HBO Max works with computer browsers, smartphones, Xbox consoles, Playstation consoles, tablets, and most smart TVs, including LG and Samsung. The HBO Max website provides a full list of compatible devices.

Select devices can stream "Reminiscence" in 4K Ultra HD resolution with high dynamic range (HDR). Check the HBO Max website to see if your smart TV and media player is compatible with high-quality streaming. 

What other theatrical releases can I watch on HBO Max?

Although "The Suicide Squad" is still in theaters, you can stream the movie right now on HBO Max with the ad-free plan. The unconventional superhero movie from director James Gunn is available to stream until September 5.

The next three theatrical premieres coming to HBO Max are:

• "Malignant" (September 10)
• "Cry Macho" (September 17)
• "The Many Saints of Newark" (October 1)

A movie adaptation of the epic science fiction novel "Dune" will be available to stream on October 22.

You can learn more about HBO Max in our full HBO Max guide and our HBO Max review. For more streaming recommendations, check out our guide to the best streaming services and the best streaming devices.

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Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert revealed this week that her husband earned nearly a million dollars over 2019 and 2020 for consulting work he did for an energy firm. 

The freshman Colorado congresswoman failed to disclose her husband's income, which was $478,000 in 2020 and $460,000 in 2019, during her campaign last year, the Associated Press first reported. This failure is a violation of ethics and campaign finance laws, which require candidates to disclose their spouse's and children's income or assets. 

"It is not common for members to not disclose their spouse's income because it's just a very clear requirement under the law," Kedric Payne, senior director of ethics for the Campaign Legal Center, told Insider. 

In her 2020 financial disclosure statement, Boebert said her income came from a restaurant, Shooters Grill, and smokehouse she owns with her husband, Jayson. She also listed "Boebert Consulting — spouse" and recorded her husband's source of income as "N/A," according to the AP. 

Payne said Boebert should provide a "very public explanation" of the discrepancy. He expects the Office of Congressional Ethics will open an inquiry if they have questions about whether the violation was intentional. The required disclosures are designed to ensure that the public can evaluate a candidate's potential conflicts of interest.

The energy industry is a major player in Colorado's vast 3rd Congressional District and Boebert, who sits on the House Natural Resources Committee, has taken aggressively pro-oil and -gas positions. She introduced legislation earlier this year seeking to reverse President Joe Biden's ban on oil and gas leasing and permitting on some federally-owned land. 

Her deputy chief of staff, Ben Stout, told the AP that Jayson Boebert "has worked in energy production for 18 years and has had Boebert Consulting since 2012."

But Boebert Consulting hasn't filed required regular reports to the state of Colorado and is classified as delinquent, The Washington Post reported. And there is no company called Terra Energy Productions registered in Colorado. There is a Texas firm called Terra Energy Partners, claiming to be "one of the largest producers of natural gas in Colorado." The congresswoman has previously said her husband is a drilling foreman on a natural gas rig and posted an Instagram photo of him wearing a "Terra" helmet in September 2020. 

It's unclear whether the congresswoman's failure to disclose her husband's work and income was intentional or accidental, but the matter could be investigated by congressional ethics officials. 

Boebert's office didn't respond to Insider's request for comment.

On Wednesday, the Federal Election Commission sent Boebert a letter demanding more information about four payments amounting to more than $6,000 that Boebert's campaign paid the congresswoman between May 3 and June 3. Stout told CNBC "the Venmo charges were personal expenses that were billed to the campaign account in error" and that Boebert has already reimbursed her campaign. 

"If it is determined that the disbursement(s) constitutes the personal use of campaign funds, the Commission may consider taking further legal action," Shannon Ringgold, an FEC analyst, wrote.

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Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert revealed this week that her husband earned nearly a million dollars over 2019 and 2020 for consulting work he did for an energy firm. 

The freshman Colorado congresswoman failed to disclose her husband's income, which was $478,000 in 2020 and $460,000 in 2019, during her campaign last year, the Associated Press first reported. This failure is a violation of ethics and campaign finance laws, which require candidates to disclose their spouse's and children's income or assets. 

"It is not common for members to not disclose their spouse's income because it's just a very clear requirement under the law," Kedric Payne, senior director of ethics for the Campaign Legal Center, told Insider. 

In her 2020 financial disclosure statement, Boebert said her income came from a restaurant, Shooters Grill, and smokehouse she owns with her husband, Jayson. She also listed "Boebert Consulting — spouse" and recorded her husband's source of income as "N/A," according to the AP. 

Payne said Boebert should provide a "very public explanation" of the discrepancy. He expects the Office of Congressional Ethics will open an inquiry if they have questions about whether the violation was intentional. The required disclosures are designed to ensure that the public can evaluate a candidate's potential conflicts of interest.

The energy industry is a major player in Colorado's vast 3rd Congressional District and Boebert, who sits on the House Natural Resources Committee, has taken aggressively pro-oil and -gas positions. She introduced legislation earlier this year seeking to reverse President Joe Biden's ban on oil and gas leasing and permitting on some federally-owned land. 

Her deputy chief of staff, Ben Stout, told the AP that Jayson Boebert "has worked in energy production for 18 years and has had Boebert Consulting since 2012."

But Boebert Consulting hasn't filed required regular reports to the state of Colorado and is classified as delinquent, The Washington Post reported. And there is no company called Terra Energy Productions registered in Colorado. There is a Texas firm called Terra Energy Partners, claiming to be "one of the largest producers of natural gas in Colorado." The congresswoman has previously said her husband is a drilling foreman on a natural gas rig and posted an Instagram photo of him wearing a "Terra" helmet in September 2020. 

It's unclear whether the congresswoman's failure to disclose her husband's work and income was intentional or accidental, but the matter could be investigated by congressional ethics officials. 

Boebert's office didn't respond to Insider's request for comment.

On Wednesday, the Federal Election Commission sent Boebert a letter demanding more information about four payments amounting to more than $6,000 that Boebert's campaign paid the congresswoman between May 3 and June 3. Stout told CNBC "the Venmo charges were personal expenses that were billed to the campaign account in error" and that Boebert has already reimbursed her campaign. 

"If it is determined that the disbursement(s) constitutes the personal use of campaign funds, the Commission may consider taking further legal action," Shannon Ringgold, an FEC analyst, wrote.

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Three senators, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, announced on Thursday that they've tested positive for COVID-19.

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, and Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado revealed their positive diagnoses in statements from their offices.

Wicker and Hickenlooper reported experiencing mild symptoms of the virus. King said that he'd been "mildly feverish."

King and Hickenlooper lauded the COVID-19 vaccine and encouraged people to get the shot if they had not already.

"While I am not feeling great, I am definitely feeling much better than I would have without the vaccine," King, 77, said in a statement.

Hickenlooper, 69, echoed the sentiment.

"I'm grateful for the vaccine (and the scientists behind it) for limiting my symptoms," he said.

The senators said they are self-isolating and following the medical advice of their doctors. 

The breakthrough infections come as the Senate is out of session this week. Senators left for recess following extensive legislative debate to advance Democrats' $3.5 trillion social infrastructure package. The chamber is due to return on September 13.

Earlier this month, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina became the first fully-vaccinated senator to publicly report a breakthrough infection.

The Republican lawmaker recovered from mild symptoms and returned to the Senate after quarantining for 10 days. 

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Three senators, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, announced on Thursday that they've tested positive for COVID-19.

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, and Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado revealed their positive diagnoses in statements from their offices.

Wicker and Hickenlooper reported experiencing mild symptoms of the virus. King said that he'd been "mildly feverish."

King and Hickenlooper lauded the COVID-19 vaccine and encouraged people to get the shot if they had not already.

"While I am not feeling great, I am definitely feeling much better than I would have without the vaccine," King, 77, said in a statement.

Hickenlooper, 69, echoed the sentiment.

"I'm grateful for the vaccine (and the scientists behind it) for limiting my symptoms," he said.

The senators said they are self-isolating and following the medical advice of their doctors. 

The breakthrough infections come as the Senate is out of session this week. Senators left for recess following extensive legislative debate to advance Democrats' $3.5 trillion social infrastructure package. The chamber is due to return on September 13.

Earlier this month, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina became the first fully-vaccinated senator to publicly report a breakthrough infection.

The Republican lawmaker recovered from mild symptoms and returned to the Senate after quarantining for 10 days. 

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A series of for-profit colleges have shut down in recent years amid accusations of fraud, mismanagement, and misleading students into taking on student debt they can't pay off. A top Democrat wants to make these schools' executives pay.

On Monday, House Education and Labor Committee Chair Bobby Scott wrote a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, urging him to hold owners, board members, and executives of now-defunct for-profit schools "individually responsible" for money the schools owe to the federal government. 

"Given the substantial burden that is currently being borne by students and taxpayers when for-profit and converted for-profit institutions collapse, it is clear the Department has a responsibility to pursue any and all legal avenues available to recoup money that was allocated through financial aid programs," Scott wrote.

After major for-profit chains, notably including Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institutes, shut down, students and taxpayers had to pay the closure costs — not the people who ran the school.

Scott highlighted actions the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken, like bringing ITT to court in 2015 for deceiving investors about high rates of late payment and defaults on student loan, but he noted that SEC penalties have been narrow, and the Education Department can do more given its authority under the Higher Education Act — including making them pay for the debt students had to take on.

Last year, Student Defense, which advocates for students' rights, released a report detailing how executives can be held accountable under the Higher Education Act, and Dan Zibel, author of the report and Vice President of Student Defense, wrote on Twitter on Thursday that "too many predatory colleges have profited from fleecing students & bilking taxpayers."

 

Since 2015, more than 200,000 defrauded students filed claims for a complete discharge of their loans in a process known as the "borrower defense to repayment." This methodology, approved by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, compared the median earnings of graduates with debt-relief claims to the median earnings of graduates in comparable programs. The bigger the difference, the more relief the applicant would receive.

But compared to a 99.2% approval rate for defrauded claims filed under President Barack Obama, DeVos had a 99.4% denial rate for borrowers and ran up a huge backlog of claims from eligible defrauded borrowers seeking student debt forgiveness, which is why Cardona reversed that policy to start giving borrowers defrauded by for-profit schools the relief they qualify for.

Scott's letter is the second asking the Education Department to hold for-profit education executives accountable. In October 2020, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren led five of her Democratic colleagues in pushing for the department to use all the legal tools at its disposal to hold executives of the for-profits that "defrauded students personally, financially accountable."

The lawmakers wrote the department's failure to enforce accountability "has also encouraged future lawbreaking by executives who feel confident they can enrich themselves at the expense of students and taxpayers without consequence." 

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Snapchat's various features can be confusing to the uninitiated. The difference between filters and lenses, for example, may not be clear.

To help, here's a quick social-media lesson: Snapchat filters are static, and sit on top of your image or video. Snapchat lenses, on the other hand, are augmented reality animations that can change the sound of your voice or appearance as you move on the screen. 

And unlike Snaps themselves, filters and lenses are available on your computer via the Snap Camera app. So if you want to add them to a Zoom call, or even to a livestream, you can.

Here's what you'll need to do to use Snapchat filters and lenses on your phone or computer.

Enable Snapchat filters 

1. Open Snapchat and log in, if needed.

2. Tap your profile icon, located in the top-left corner of the screen.

3. Tap the settings icon, which looks like a gear, located in the top-right corner of the screen.

4. Under Additional Services, select Manage.

5. Toggle Filters to the on position. If you don't see this option then you likely already have filters automatically enabled. 

Use Snapchat filters

1. Open your Snapchat app.

2. Take a photo by tapping the circle in the bottom-center of the screen, or take a video by tapping and holding it down.

3. Swipe right or left over the photo or video you just took to cycle through your filters.

4. If you want to use more than one filter, you can do so by tapping the filter-stacking icon, which appears once you add the first filter to your Snap, and then continue to swipe through additional filters. Otherwise continue to step five.

5. Tap Send To in the bottom-right corner of the screen to send the Snap to friends or add it to your story.

Try Snapchat lenses

1. Open your Snapchat app.

2. Tap the screen. A carousel of icons will then appear at the bottom.

3. Swipe through the assortment of lens options at the bottom of the screen. Be aware that it may take a moment for each one to load.

4. When ready, select the lens you want and tap its icon to capture a quick photo — or tap and hold for video.

Set up Snap Camera to add filters and lenses to video calls

To use the Snap Camera app, your computer needs to meet these system requirements:

• Windows 10 (64 bit) or newer; MacOS 10.13 or newer.
• Minimum of Intel Core i3 2.5Ghz or AMD FX 4300 2.6Ghz with 4 GB RAM; Intel HD Graphics 4000 / Nvidia GeForce 710 / AMD Radeon HD 6450; screen resolution of 1280x768 or higher.

Assuming your computer meets those requirements, you're in luck: the Snap Camera app is free to download and use — and you don't even have to have a Snapchat account to use it. 

To use Snap Camera: 

1. Download and install the Snap Camera app and be sure to give the app permission to use your camera and mic when prompted.

2. Click the star icon, which appears when you hover over a particular filter or lens, to add it to your favorites and make it easier to access.

3. When you use a video call app or other program that uses your webcam, select Snap Camera in that app's settings.

4. To use a filter or lens, simply select it from within the Snap Camera app, either via the main page or from your favorites by clicking the star icon in the top-left corner of the screen. Your image will then automatically update with the selected lens or filter.

To turn off the filter or lens, simply click it again in the Snap Camera app.

Keep in mind that the process of selecting the Snap Camera app as your camera source will vary slightly from app to app.

For example, in Zoom, you can do this by simply selecting the up-carrot next to the video icon, and under Select a Camera, you'd choose the Snap Camera app. 

But, if you're on Twitch and use Streamlabs OBS, you'd do this by clicking the plus icon, located in the top-right corner of the Sources panel. Then, select Video Capture Device and click Add Source. Then you can give it a name and add it as a source. From there, select that camera from the device drop-down menu in your settings.

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Epic Games said Google gives preferential treatment to major developers to keep them publishing apps on the Google Play Store, newly filed legal documents said.

In an unredacted filing from its antitrust complaint against Google, Epic said Google has a secret initiative, once called "Project Hug," that it launched to mitigate the risk of developers leaving the Play Store and potentially losing Google billions of dollars in revenue.

Epic cited internal Google documents in which Android executives called the program "a hug developers close and show love plan." This included extra promotion for their apps, the suit alleged.

Epic suggested that the initiative is ongoing and now runs as the "Apps and Games Velocity Program."

The claims were disclosed in an unredacted version of Epic's antitrust complaint against Google, which previously disclosed a claim that Google attempted to buy "some or all" of Epic. A judge on Wednesday ordered that the complaint be wholly unsealed, despite Google's objections.

Epic also said that, as part of Google's Hug initiative, it planned to spend "hundreds of millions" of dollars on secret deals with over 20 developers that were at risk of leaving the Play Store, including Activision Blizzard. Google, it said, saw a "contagion" effect led by Epic and others to build alternative app stores that would be available to Android-device users.

Referring to a 2019 presentation made by Google's finance team, Epic said Google feared that Epic running its own store would risk $350 million of Google's revenue, with a maximum risk of $1.4 billion by 2022.

Google further estimated that the Google Play profit margin and revenue risk of letting developers leave the Play Store to compete was "up to $6B / $1.1B in 2022" alone, Epic alleged in the filing.

Epic also said that, by December 2020, Google had signed deals with the "vast majority" of developers it targeted with Project Hug.

A Google spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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