Chris Christie to teach Yale course on running for political office
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is heading to the classroom as a professor. Christie, a two-time Republican presidential candidate who came up short on both attempts will be teaching a course at Yale University this semester.
The weekly seminar, “How to Run a Political Campaign,” will be offered to both undergraduate and graduate students. According to the course description, students will dive into critical aspects of running a political campaign.
Christie will guide students through the increasing reliance on technology, the challenges of fundraising and what it takes to lead successfully. Christie’s most recent attempt to secure the Republican nomination ended in January, just days before the Iowa caucuses, when he acknowledged that there was no path to victory.
This new teaching role follows a talk the former governor gave at Yale in April, where he emphasized the importance of truth in leadership. It’s not Christie’s only job outside of politics. In 2021, he began working for the New York Mets and sits on its board of directors.
Manchin asked about Dems writing him in for primary: ‘Whatever you want to do’
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, D, took a trip to New Hampshire for an appearance at Politics and Eggs, a political forum that’s a must for presidential candidates. Manchin is retiring from the Senate but talks about doing more to help his country, leading many to believe he’s considering a run for the White House.
He was, in a way, asked about running during the forum.
“How would you feel if a bunch of Democrats in New Hampshire wrote in Joe, not Biden, but wrote in Joe Manchin?” an attendee asked.
“I cannot prevent whatever you want to do,” Manchin responded.
The attendee continued, “Would that inspire you possibly to consider trying that in other states?”
I have a burning desire to save the country, whatever it takes. I’d lay on the track. I’d do whatever you want me to do.
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.
“I’m not here campaigning. I’m here basically concerned about my country, the same as you are,” Manchin said. “I’ve said this: I have a burning desire to save the country, whatever it takes. I’d lay on the track. I’d do whatever you want me to do.”
The senator was also asked if he’d ever consider becoming an independent.
“So if I thought that my identification as a party affiliate would change who I am and how I would act, then that’s not being genuine where I come from,” Manchin said. “So I thought about that. If it makes people feel better, I’m the most independent Democrat you’ve ever met in your life.”
Manchin was also asked about No Labels, an organization considering putting forward a unity ticket of a Democrat and Republican in the 2024 presidential race.
No Labels is working to get on the ballot in all 50 states and is currently on the ballot in 13: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota and Utah.
No Labels hit the signature threshold in Maryland but it isn’t on the ballot yet. The organization is actively gathering signatures in 14 other states.
Reports indicate that No Labels reached out to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s team, even before he dropped out of the GOP primary.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, R, resigned from his position at No Labels, leading to speculation that he too is preparing for a run.
Manchin was asked about both possibilities, and had nothing but good things to say about his fellow former governors.
Regardless of who No Labels may choose as a candidate, the group still hasn’t made it official that its entering a ticket.
Manchin was asked, “Isn’t time ticking away that they gotta make a decision?”
“I think basically you have to see the outcome of the primary and what we end up with in the two categories,” Manchin answered. “If you’re handicapping it right now, you would say that it’ll be Donald Trump and Joe Biden. But that might change, there’s some time for it to change. So I think by Super Tuesday, you would know.”
Senior Hamas leader killed in blast in Lebanon: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 3, 2024
A top Hamas leader is killed in Lebanon, sparking concerns the war in the Middle East could expand. And former President Donald Trump is appealing a ruling in Maine barring him from the ballot. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.
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Hamas and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have confirmed the death of a top Hamas leader Wednesday morning, Jan. 3, during an explosion in the suburbs of Beirut. The groups blame Israel for the attack, raising concerns about the war between Hamas and Israel expanding in the region.
Saleh al-Arouri and six others, including two Hamas commanders, were killed in the strike on Tuesday, Jan. 2. A spokesperson for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah told the Washington Post the attack involved a drone armed with three rockets.
Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati called the explosion a crime that was meant to “drag Lebanon into a new phase of confrontation with Israel.” Israel has declined to comment on the attack. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israeli military’s chief spokesman, said in a televised news briefing that Israeli forces were on “very high alert on all fronts for defensive and offensive actions.” He stressed Israel was “focused on fighting Hamas.”
Harvard President Claudine Gay resigns amid plagiarism, antisemitism scandals
Alan Garber, Harvard’s provost and chief academic officer, will serve as interim president. Gay is the second university president to resign following the Dec. 5 congressional hearing; UPenn President Liz Magill resigned four days later. Read our full report on Gay’s resignation here.
More allegations of bribery against Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez
Prosecutors allege that Menendez helped a New Jersey developer, Fred Daibes, get a multimillion-dollar investment from a Qatar-based company that prosecutors said is tied to the royal family, according to the indictment. Menendez has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his lawyers responded to the recent indictment by saying the new allegations “stink of desperation.”
Back in September, Menendez was indicted on bribery charges; prosecutors said he and his wife pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes that included cash, gold bars, payments toward a home mortgage, and luxury car payments, among others listed in the original indictment. Menendez has stepped down as Foreign Relations chair but remains on the committee; his trial is scheduled for May 2024. His trial is set for May.
Trump appeals Maine ruling barring him from 2024 ballot
Trump’s team has appealed bellow’s ruling, alleging she is “biased” urging the courts to vacate her ruling. Bellows told NPR in a recent interview that her personal view played no role in the decision and that she has a duty to uphold the Constitution. Trump is expected to appeal a similar ruling in Colorado after the state Supreme Court ruled to keep him off the ballot; the Colorado Republican Party has already appealed that ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Both decisions have been paused as the appeals play out in court, meaning Trump’s name will remain on the ballot for now.
Haley, DeSantis to debate on CNN; Trump to hold Fox News town hall
Only two Republican candidates will participate in the final debate before the Iowa caucuses: former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. CNN, the network hosting the Jan. 10 debate, announced on Tuesday, Jan. 2, that Haley and DeSantis, along with former President Donald Trump, have qualified for the Iowa debate.
However, Trump is skipping the debate again and participating in counter programming. The current GOP frontrunner, citing his commanding lead in the polls for his reasons not to join in the debates, will hold a town hall in Iowa airing on Fox News instead. The network said the town hall will focus on “leading issues facing voters ahead of the Iowa caucus.”
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who appeared in the last debate, did not meet CNN’s qualifications. A second CNN GOP debate is scheduled for Jan. 21 in New Hampshire ahead of that state’s primary.
Box office sales reach $9 billion for 2023
2023 wasn’t a record-breaking year at the box office, but things are looking better for the movie industry following a slowdown during the pandemic. Ticket sales in the U.S. and Canada reached $9 billion in 2023, the first time in years. According to data firm Comscore, box office sales were up 21% from 2022, but it fell short by about $2 billion from pre-pandemic sales.
There were about 20 fewer wide releases in 2023 than in 2019, with some top films being pushed back due to writer and actor strikes. However, some very popular movies throughout the year were able to push the box office totals to the $9 billion mark, including Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Taylor Swift, the Era’s Tour concert film.
White House warns U.S. is running out of money for Ukraine aid: The Morning Rundown, Dec. 5, 2023
The White House warns the U.S. is running out of money to aid Ukraine. And, a house explodes in Virginia as police attempt to execute a search warrant. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.
White House warns U.S. is running out of Ukraine aid
In the letter, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young said cutting off the flow of U.S. weapons and equipment will “kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield” and increase the “likelihood of Russian military victories.”
During a classified briefing, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address U.S. senators by video on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the administration invited Zelenskyy so senators “could hear directly from him precisely what’s at stake.”
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The Biden administration is urging Congress to approve a nearly $106 billion funding package that includes aid for Ukraine and Israel. Republicans on Capitol Hill, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said they would only consider additional funding if there are changes to the U.S.-Mexico border policy.
Over the weekend, however, border talks between Senate Republicans and Democrats fell through. Lauren Taylor has a full report on those developments here.
Satellite imagery shows Israel has begun southern Gaza operation
The Israeli army has begun its operations in Southern Gaza. The New York Times analyzed satellite imagery of Israel’s movements and reports Israeli forces are approaching the largest city in the south, where officials believe Hamas leaders have been stationed since leaving the northern section.
The United Nations’ Office for Humanitarian Affairs said between Sunday, Dec. 3, and Monday afternoon, Dec. 4, Gaza has seen some of the heaviest shelling since Israel began its strikes on Hamas following the Oct. 7 terror attack.
In a press conference on Monday, Dec. 4, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said it was too soon to make a judgment if Israel was adhering to the United States’ message to be more targeted in their latest attacks in Gaza to limit civilian casualties.
“Now, as you noted, they have actually taken the quite unusual step for a modern military and identified precisely the area that they intend to have ground maneuver and they have asked the people in that area to move out,” Sullivan said.
In response to the evacuation orders, Thomas White, the Gaza director of the United States Agency for Palestinian refugees, said this morning on X that neighborhoods in Gaza with over 600,000 people have been ordered to move. White said this could double the number of displaced people heading to the city of Rafah, something the city would not be able to cope with.
White House condemns protest outside Israeli restaurant in Philadelphia
The White House’s statement on Monday, Dec. 4, followed one by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, D, who also criticized the protest, calling it a “blatant act of antisemitism and not a peaceful protest.”
Shapiro said, “A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli. this hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history.” The owners of the restaurant have declined to comment as of yet. The mayor of Philadelphia said the city’s Commission of Human Relations would investigate.
Video shows Arlington home explode as police serve warrant
The suspect’s condition is not known at this time. According to police, neighbors reported hearing possible gunshots from inside the home earlier in the day. Police arrived on the scene around 4:25 pm local time and determined the suspect had shot a flare gun 30 to 40 times from inside the home into the neighborhood.
A standoff ensued; police said the suspect fired several rounds from an apparent firearm. Nearly four hours after the start of the incident, officers tried to make contact with the suspect when the blast occurred. Police are investigating the cause of the explosion.
Stage set for 4th GOP presidential primary debate
Wednesday’s Dec. 6 Republican primary presidential debate will see four candidates take the stage as the GOP field continues to shrink. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have qualified for the fourth primary debate, the Republican National Committee announced Monday, Dec. 4.
The GOP frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, citing his poll numbers, is once again skipping the debate. Instead, he will be holding a private fundraiser. Trump will also appear during a town hall on Fox News Tuesday, Dec. 5.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who did not qualify for the last debate, suspended his campaign hours before the RNC’s announcement. NewsNation hosts Wednesday’s Dec. 6 debate in Alabama.
New York City expects to welcome nearly 7 million tourists during this holiday season, which means many hotel rooms will be booked. If you’re one of those visitors seeking a different kind of hotel experience, one with a bit of 90s nostalgia, this is a story for you.
Guests will also eat like the character Kevin does in the film, dining on a large cheese pizza and a 16-scoop ice cream sundae. Those who book the package can also celebrate “Home Alone” star Macaulay Culkin, who just received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last week.
The big takeaways from the 3rd Republican primary presidential debate: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 9, 2023
Five Republican candidates took the stage Wednesday night, Nov. 8, making their case to be the next president in the third GOP primary debate. And Hollywood actors reach a tentative deal with the studios to put an end to the nearly four-month strike. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Nov. 9.
Recapping 3rd GOP presidential primary debate
For the third time, Republican candidates for the 2024 presidential election faced off in a primary debate; this time, the field was down to five.
We’ve become a party of losers. At the end of the day, there is a cancer in the Republican establishment.
Vivek Ramaswamy
From the stage in Miami on Wednesday night, Nov. 8, the candidates spoke on a variety of issues, from China to funding Israel and Ukraine and their views on abortion. All while sparring with one another and even criticizing the Republican National Committee after the GOP lost key races the night before.
The candidates were also not shy this time to call out the Republican frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, for not showing up to the debate.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) said Donald Trump is much different than in 2016.
“He owes it to you to be on this stage and explain why he should get another chance. He should explain why he didn’t have Mexico pay for the border wall. He should explain why he racked up so much debt. He should explain why he didn’t drain the swamp,” DeSantis said. “And he said Republicans were going to get tired of winning. Well, we saw last night, I’m sick of Republicans losing.”
Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy aimed his anger at the election results at Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the RNC.
“I think there’s something deeper going on in the Republican party here, and I am upset about what happened last night,” Ramaswamy said. “We’ve become a party of losers. At the end of the day, there is a cancer in the Republican establishment.”
At times throughout the night, Ramaswamy focused on former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, who was almost at center stage, a reflection of her standings in the polls. While all candidates declared their support for Israel, Ramaswamy took issue with Haley’s foreign policy views.
“Do you want a leader from a different generation who’s going to put this country first,” Ramaswamy said. “Or do you want Dick Cheney in three-inch heels?”
“Yes, I’d first like to say they’re five-inch heels, and I don’t wear them unless you can run in ’em,” Haley said. “The second thing that I will say is I wear heels; they’re not for a fashion statement; they’re for ammunition.”
The candidates were divided when it came to supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said supporting Ukraine is “not a choice,” saying, “It’s the price we pay for being leaders of the free world.” DeSantis was skeptical of some of the funding sent to Ukraine, saying, “We need the war to end” so the U.S. can focus on border security instead.
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The presidential hopefuls were also asked about the social media app TikTok, owned by the China-based company ByteDance. Christie said he’d ban the app in his first week as president. The issue turned personal when Ramaswamy brought up Haley’s daughter.
“In the last debate, she made fun of me for actually joining TikTok while her own daughter was actually using the app for a long time,” Ramaswamy said. “So you might want to take care of your family first.” “Leave my daughter out of your voice,” Haley said.
“The next generation of Americans are using it, and that’s actually the point,” Ramaswamy said as the audience booed. “You have her supporters propping her up.”
After Ohio residents voted in favor of abortion access Tuesday night, Nov. 8, the GOP candidates were asked about their stance on the issue. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott said he’d commit to a 15-week national ban. Haley said no Republican president will be able to find the votes to pass any kind of federal abortion ban.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump held a rally a half hour away during the debate. A senior Trump adviser said the debate was “a complete waste of time and money.”
Ivanka Trump testifies; Hunter Biden subpoenaed
Based on polling numbers, as of Thursday, Nov. 9, the 2024 presidential election looks like it would be a rematch of 2020 between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. However, on Wednesday, Nov. 8, the focus was not on them but their family members.
The New York attorney general has accused Trump, his adult sons, and his organization of inflating his net worth on financial statements to banks and insurers in order to gain more favorable loans.
Ivanka told prosecutors she was not privy to her father’s personal financial statements.
When asked specifically by the state lawyer if she had any role in preparing Donald Trump’s statements of financial condition, Ivanka replied, “Not that I’m aware of.”
Following Ivanka’s five-hour testimony, the New York attorney rested her case. The defense is expected to begin theirs on Monday, Nov. 13.
Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee investigating President Biden and his connection to his family’s foreign business dealings subpoenaed Hunter and James Biden, the president’s son and brother, on Wednesday, Nov. 8, marking the first time that members of the Biden family have been subpoenaed since the impeachment inquiry was opened in September.
A representative for Hunter Biden responded, calling it a “political stunt,” but said, “Hunter is eager to have the opportunity, in a public forum, at the right time, to discuss these matters with the committee.”
US strikes Syria weapons warehouse in response to attacks on troops
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, calling it a self-defense strike, said the weapons facility in Eastern Syria was used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps along with affiliated groups.
Two F-15 fighter jets dropped bombs on the target on Wednesday, Nov. 8, in what Austin called a “precision self-defense strike,” adding that the safety of American troops is paramount.
“The president has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said in a statement.”
Those who qualified for the debate are former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who participated in the last two debates, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who participated in the first debate, did not qualify.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has dropped out of the race since the last debate, and former President Donald Trump, the current Republican frontrunner, said he would not attend the debate. Instead, he’ll be holding a rally just a half hour away simultaneously.
Democrats take home victories in several states after Election Day 2023: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 8, 2023
The results are in, we have the big winners from Election Day across America. And the House votes to censure Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Voters in Ohio approved a ballot measure amending the state constitution to include protections for abortion access, which protects medical providers who perform abortions and the right to an abortion up through viability. Voters in Ohio also voted to legalize marijuana for adults over 21, becoming the 24th to do so.
Democratic incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear won his re-election in Kentucky, defeating Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
“It was a victory that sends a loud, clear message. A message that candidates should run for something and not against someone,” Beshear told supporters Tuesday night. “That a candidate should show vision and not sow division.”
In Virginia, Democrats took control of the state’s House of Delegates while retaining their majority in the state’s Senate, which will prevent Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin from enacting his proposals on abortion and other policies.
“I want to thank every single one of you, and I got to tell you this victory sure is sweet,” Reeves told supporters after the results came in. “Not too bad for what the Democrat SuperPac Mississippi Today called one of the most unpopular governors in America.”
Those who qualified for the debate are former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
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North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson did not qualify.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has dropped out of the race since the last debate. While former President Donald Trump, the current Republican frontrunner, said he would not attend the debate. Instead, he’ll be holding a rally just a half hour away. The debate airs tonight on NBC.
House votes to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.
The censure resolution, which Congressman Rich McCormick, R-Ga, authored, passed by a vote of 234 to 188. Twenty-two Democrats voted along with most of their Republican colleagues. Four Republicans opposed the measure.
The resolution claimed Tlaib had been “promoting false narratives regarding the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel.”
Those backing the resolution pointed to Tlaib posting a social media video of protesters chanting “from the river to the sea,” a phrase that has been used by Hamas and considered by the Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish groups as an antisemitic call for the elimination of Israel.
Tlaib has defended using the slogan, calling it “an aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence.”
Before the vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the congresswoman said she would not be “silenced” and accused members of the House of distorting her words.
Man armed with rifle arrested near US Capitol
A man armed with a rifle was arrested in a park near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 7. According to Capitol Police, just after 12:30 p.m., the 21-year-old man, Ahmir Lavon Merrell, was seen with a gun, described as possibly an AR-15, near Senate office buildings.
When officers responded and demanded that he drop his weapon, police say he refused, and officers used a Taser to subdue him. The park and surrounding roads were closed for a couple of hours following the incident as officers investigated.
“See something, say something’ is not just an empty slogan. We are grateful for the individual who alerted our officer to the man with a gun in the park,” said USCP Chief Tom Manger. “These cops immediately ran toward the man with the loaded gun. As always — I am proud of our cops.”
Police say there is no reason to believe there is a further threat to the public. Merrell, who had a warrant out for his arrest in Georgia for a probation violation, now faces gun charges.
It is illegal to possess a firearm on U.S. Capitol grounds, the Associated Press reporting that Capitol police have confiscated more than 30 guns this year.
Talks between actors and studios focus on AI
With the SAG-AFTRA actor’s strike nearing 120 days, Hollywood studios have agreed to adjust language in their offer concerning artificial intelligence, one of the critical issues that sent actors to the picket lines in July.
Over the past two weeks, AI has been the focus of talks between the SAG-AFTRA union and the alliance of motion picture and television producers.
Late Tuesday, Nov. 7, the negotiating team for SAG-AFTRA informed members that after meeting for 10 hours, it would continue to have discussions today about the studio’s latest changes.
Last week, the studios issued their “last, best and final” offer to the actors’ union, with SAG-AFTRA delivering its latest formal proposal on Monday, Nov. 6.
The studios have warned that to save a portion of this season’s television schedule – a deal needs to be made soon.
Titanic menu up for auction
We are getting a glimpse at what the first-class passengers of the ill-fated Titanic ate just three days before the massive ship struck an iceberg. A rare menu from a restaurant on the Titanic is going up for auction this week.
According to the auction house, the menu was discovered earlier this year by the family of a Canadian historian, but how he got a hold of it is unknown.
The now water-stained menu shows the dining choices for wealthy passengers included oysters, salmon, mallard duck, and spring lamb with mint sauce.
Former President Trump clashes with judge during testimony at $250M civil fraud trial: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 7, 2023
Former President Donald Trump delivers his testimony in the civil fraud trial. And WeWork, once valued at $47 million, files for bankruptcy. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.
Donald Trump testifies in civil fraud trial
Former President Donald Trump took the stand on Monday, Nov. 6, in his $250 million civil fraud trial in New York, where he spoke out against the attorney general who is suing him, his eldest sons, and his company. He sparred with the judge at times, who warned the former president about the length and content of his answers, telling Trump, “This is not a political rally.”
Reuters
During his testimony, Trump disputed the attorney general’s claims that he lied on financial statements to banks and insurers and inflated the values of his properties to get better loans and business deals.
The former president distanced himself from the financial statements at the heart of the attorney’s general case and said he would “authorize and tell people to give whatever is necessary for the accountants to do the statements,” adding that on occasion, he would have “some suggestions” about the results.
As for the financial statements themselves, Trump argued that banks “didn’t find them very relevant.”
During his roughly four hours on the stand, Trump suggested his net worth is more than what was on the statements and that the attorney’s general office undervalued his Mar-a-Lago Florida resort.
In response to his testimony, Attorney General Letitia James said Trump can engage in distractions, but the evidence supports her fraud claims.
The former president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, is scheduled to testify on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Donald Trump, the current GOP frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election, is set to take the stand again in four criminal cases next year; he, however, is not expected to be present at the third Republican presidential primary debate Wednesday, Nov. 8, in Miami.
Five candidates have qualified for that debate: former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
In Ohio, voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to protect access to abortion services. They will also vote on whether to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use.
In Virginia, all 40 state senate seats and 100 state house seats are on the ballot, which could lead to Republicans having complete control of the state government for the first time in a decade; this would give a path for Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to enact his proposals on abortion, education, and other policies, as reports say the governor may be to considering late entry into the 2024 presidential race.
The major race in two states is for governor, as Republican Gov. Tate Reeves looks for a second term in Mississippi and Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear seeks another term in Kentucky.
In Texas, 17 candidates are vying to become the next mayor of Houston, and residents of Uvalde will elect a new mayor for the first time since the May 2022 school shooting that left 19 students and two teachers dead.
Pennsylvania residents will vote to fill a vacant seat on the state supreme court, and Philadelphians will decide on a new mayor. New York’s general election has voters deciding on various races, including the New York City Council. And Colorado voters will decide on two proposals involving tax revenue.
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President Biden has previously said he had no confidence in figures provided by the agency run by Hamas. Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said on Monday, Nov. 6, that the number of the dead is in the “thousands.”
On Monday, Nov. 6, the United Nations called once again for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. With the U.N. Secretary-General saying Gaza is becoming a “graveyard for children.”
Speaking to ABC News on Monday, Nov. 6, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his stance that there would only be a cease-fire if Hamas released the 200-plus hostages.
Jury finds Colorado officer not guilty in Elijah McClain’s killing
On Monday, Nov. 7, a jury found Colorado police officer Nathan Woodyard not guilty of manslaughter in the killing of Elijah McClain, an unarmed 23-year-old Black man who died after an altercation with police in 2019.
Though McClain’s killing has brought sweeping police reforms in Colorado, his death initially did not receive much attention, with local prosecutors originally not filing charges against the officers. That changed after May 2020, when George Floyd was killed at the hands of police.
The state attorney general’s office, guided by the governor, then filed charges against the three officers and two paramedics who are set to stand trial later this month.
WeWork, which Japan’s Softbank backs, was once valued at $47 billion in 2019, the same year it attempted but failed to go public, which led to the ouster of its founder Adam Neumann.
After eventually going public two years later, at a reduced valuation of $9 billion, the company faced roadblocks with the pandemic leading to hybrid and work-from-home options.
Shares of WeWork have dropped approximately 98% this year alone. While WeWork leases millions of square feet of office space in 777 locations across 39 countries, the bankruptcy filing affects only WeWork’s sites in the U.S. and Canada.
Gannett hires Taylor Swift reporter
There is an update on the largest newspaper chain in the country’s search for a Taylor Swift reporter. After a couple of months, Gannett has found its man.
When the newspaper chain, which owns USA Today, announced the job opening in September, it was met with criticism from some journalists who called the role a fan position and one that took away jobs from other reporters after the company made significant cuts last year.
Michael A. Anastasi, Gannett’s vice president of local news and the Editor of The Tennessean, told Variety this move is part of the company’s “transformation strategy” to better serve all its communities in the future.
West said he’ll have fun with the role while also focusing on Taylor Swift’s impact on society and the music industry. Gannett is still searching for a Beyoncé reporter.
State of the GOP nomination race: Pence drops out; field could narrow again soon
A lot has changed in the Republican presidential primary. The field is narrowing and may continue to do so further in the next week or two.
Here are three things to know:
1. Former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out
Mike Pence announced he is suspending his campaign. Polls show he was losing support; the Real Clear Politics average had him polling at 9% in July and just 3.5% as of Oct. 24.
“Traveling across the country over the past six months, I came here to say it’s become clear to me, this is not my time,” Pence told the crowd at the Republican Jewish Coalition.
“Now I’m leaving this campaign but let me promise you, I will never leave the fight for conservative values, and I will never stop fighting to elect principled Republican leaders to every office in the land. So help me God.”
2. Nikki Haley surges in Iowa
Donald Trump maintains a 27-point lead in Iowa, however former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley shot up 10 points and is now tied for second with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to an NBC News/Des Moines register poll.
The Democratic Party took notice of Haley’s rise.
As she officially filed for the South Carolina Republican presidential primary, the DNC war room sent out a memo that described her governorship as a “model for the MAGA Agenda.”
The memo criticized previous action she’s taken on abortion, Medicaid and her economic agenda.
3. Sen. Tim Scott qualifies for third debate
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., became the fifth candidate to qualify for the third primary debate on Nov. 8 in Miami. Earning a spot on that stage is important to donors, and a strong performance can help with polls.
Pence had not qualified and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum hasn’t either, so some expect the field will narrow even further over the next week or two.
“I think the field will consolidate, but it’s not my place to tell people when to get out,” N.J. Gov. Chris Christie said on CNN’s State of the Union.
Christie, Scott, Haley, DeSantis and pharmaceutical executive Vivek Ramaswamy all met the threshold to participate.
Candidates need at least 70,000 unique donors and 4% support in two polls to earn a spot on the stage. Former President Donald Trump is not expected to be there.
Candidates clash at 2nd GOP primary debate: The Morning Rundown, Sept. 28, 2023
Seven presidential candidates looked to gain momentum during Wednesday night’s debate as the absent frontrunner loomed large. And drivers are being asked to park outside due to a major recall affecting millions of vehicles. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Sept. 28, 2023.
Republican candidates spar on multiple issue during second debate
Seven presidential hopefuls took the stage Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California for the second Republican primary debate broadcast on the Fox News channel. The candidates tackled issues such as immigration, the war in Ukraine, China and the auto workers strike. While there was sparring between those on stage, the party’s frontrunner — former President Donald Trump, who chose not to attend the debate — became a target.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie were among those criticizing the former president for skipping the debate as he did with the first one last month.
“Where’s Joe Biden? He’s completely missing in action from leadership, and you know who else is missing in action? Donald Trump is missing in action. He should be on this stage tonight. He owes it to you to defend his record,” DeSantis said.
“Donald, I know you’re watching. you can’t help yourself. I know you’re watching, OK? And you’re not here tonight, not because of polls, and not because of your indictments. you’re not here tonight, because you’re afraid of being on the stage and defending your record,” Christie said.
Regarding immigration, Christie said he wants immigrants in this country to fill six million vacant jobs but only if they come to the U.S. legally, criticizing the Biden administration for not enforcing laws and former President Trump for not completing the border wall.
Entrepeneur Vivek Ramaswamy was targeted for his company’s connections to China and his recent arrival on the social media app TikTok.
“We need to win elections and part of how we win elections is reaching the next generation of young Americans where they are,” Ramaswamy said.
“This is infuriating because TikTok is one of the most dangerous social media apps that we could have and what you’ve got – I honestly, every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you say,” former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley said.
The candidates also voiced their opinions on the United States’ support for Ukraine as Congress debates additional funding. Governor DeSantis said it’s in America’s interest to end the war and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott arguing the focus should be in degrading the Russian military.
“By degrading the Russian military, we actually keep our homeland safer, we keep our troops at home and we all understand Article 5 of NATO,” Scott said.
The third Republican debate is set for Nov. 8 in Miami. Advisers to former President Trump say he will not be attending that one either.
Trump skips debate to speak at Michigan plant, criticizes Biden’s E-V plans
Trump’s speech largely consisted of criticizing President Joe Biden’s electric vehicle overhaul and the costs associated with it. Tump told the autoworkers that a strike mattered little when the entire industry is on the line. He said the full-throttle shift to E-V will kill jobs.
While both the Republican frontrunner and the current president made their cases for the autoworkers, the UAW has yet to endorse a candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
House Republican holding first Biden impeachment inquiry hearing
The impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden will begin Thursday. House Republicans will hold the first public hearing where they say the focus will be presenting the findings “from months of investigations.”
Chairman James Comer says House Republicans have uncovered a trove of evidence showing President Biden has abused his power in public office. Critics including the White House claim there is no evidence.
Meanwhile, the House Ways and Means Committee released a 700-page report on their investigation into the president’s son, Hunter Biden, on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
X makes cuts to disinformation team
Straight Arrow News reported last month that X was hiring for its safety and elections team to better protect the platform from fake accounts and threats heading into a presidential election year.
But as first reported by the tech-focused outlet The Information, X is laying positions on its Election Integrity Team. The website said four positions were let go.
“Oh you mean the “Election Integrity” Team that was undermining election integrity? Yeah, they’re gone,” X owner Elom Musk posted to the social media site.
The cuts come at a time when Musk is being heavily scrutinized. A top European Union official said this week that the platform is the largest promoter of disinformation and fake news. Musk has said X does not promote hate speech but is a free speech platform.
Kia, Hyundai recall more than 3.3 million vehicles over
Kia and Hyundai are issuing a massive recall involving more than 3.3 million vehicles. The automakers are telling owners to park outside because the cars could catch fire.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the anti-lock brake control module can leak fluid and cause an electrical short which could cause a fire while vehicles are being driven or parked.
Hyundai is recalling 13 different models from 2010-2015. Kia is recalling a dozen models from 2010-2019. Kia and Hyundai say they will send affected vehicle owners notification letters starting in mid-November. Dealers will replace the anti-lock brake fuse free of charge.
1858 photo of Abraham Lincoln donated to his museum in Illinois
A photo of Abraham Lincoln from 165 years ago with quite a backstory is being donated to his museum in Illinois. The 1858 image was taken during Lincoln’s campaign for the senate.
As the story goes, the future president presented a copy of the photo to Charles Lame after the man was severely injured while testing a cannon for Lincoln’s campaign rally. The photo remained with Lame’s descendants until last year when they decided to donate it.
