Congressional leaders agree on two-tiered funding deal to avert shutdown
Congressional leaders announced on Sunday, Jan. 14, that they have agreed on a short-term funding bill to avert a partial government shutdown later this week. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., unveiled the two-tiered continuing resolution to fund the government through March 1 and 8.
“The bipartisan topline funding agreement reached ensures that America will be able to address many of the major challenges our country faces at home and abroad,” Schumer said in a statement. “I thank leaders from both sides, and particularly the members of the Appropriations Committee, for their commitment to keeping the government open and working for the American people.”
In his own statement, Johnson said the bill is required to complete what House Republicans are working hard to achieve. The deal comes a week after last weekend’s agreement that set the overall spending level at $1.59 trillion. Should the bill pass, it will mark the third short-term spending deal since September.
“After weeks of hard-fought negotiations, we achieved a strong top-line agreement that allows our appropriations committee and all those who work on this to complete the appropriations process,” Johnson said in a statement.
The current deal, which went into effect in September, funded some federal departments until Jan. 19 and others until Feb. 2. This latest funding bill would need to be agreed upon by both the House and Senate by Friday, Jan. 19, to avoid a shutdown.
Trump leads in Iowa ahead of record-cold caucuses, The Morning Rundown, Jan. 15, 2024
Voters are ready to be heard as the 2024 presidential primary kicks off in Iowa. And congressional leaders said they have reached a deal to avert a government shutdown. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.
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On Monday, Jan. 15, the 2024 presidential primaries officially kick off with the Iowa caucuses, where 40 delegates are up for grabs, as the GOP frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, tops the latest poll. Republicans will host voters at designated caucus locations, including schools, gyms, community centers, churches, and other venues, to listen to speeches about the presidential candidates before they decide on a choice.
But undecided voters are not the only unpredictable factor candidates are dealing with this year; another component could cause major issues: the weather. Record-cold is slated for Iowa, with temperatures set to hover around 20 degrees below zero around 7 p.m. central, the start of the caucuses. Arctic air is expected to bring wind chills between 35 and 45 degrees below zero through Tuesday, Jan. 16.
A spokesperson for the Iowa Republican party says Iowans are well acclimated to the midwest winters and understand what’s at stake. As many are concerned about the numbers on the thermometer, others are focused on the numbers from the latest poll released over the weekend. The final poll before the caucuses, conducted by NBC News and the Des Moines Register, shows former President Donald Trump with a nearly 30-point lead over his opponents – with 48% first-choice support.
Former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley is in second place in the poll, narrowly edging past Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Meanwhile, Democrats in Iowa will hold in-person caucuses on Monday, Jan. 15, but only to conduct party business, not for voting. The Iowa Democratic party in the state is asking voters to send in their choice for president by mail. The results will be announced in March.
Arctic blast sends extreme cold across the country
As voters in Iowa contend with record-breaking cold weather, they are not alone. An arctic blast is sweeping across the country, from Canada to the U.S., with many locations facing dangerously low temperatures. States of emergency have been issued in multiple states, including Arkansas, Colorado, New York, and Nebraska.
More than one million Americans were under a wind chill warning or advisory on Sunday, Jan. 14, with the temperature feeling like 60 degrees below zero in parts of Montana. Blizzard conditions forced the postponement of an NFL game in Buffalo from Sunday, Jan. 14, to Monday, Jan. 15. Record-high tides flooded homes in Maine and New Hampshire. The severe weather is being blamed for at least four deaths in Oregon, with strong winds knocking over trees in two incidents, two other victims died of suspected hypothermia.
U.S. fighter jet shoots down Houthi missile in Red Sea
A U.S. fighter jet shot down an anti-ship cruise missile fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen, aimed at an American destroyer in the Red Sea, on Sunday, Jan. 14, according to U.S. officials. The attempted attack marked the first attack by the Houthis since the U.S. and its allies began retaliatory strikes against the Iranian-backed militant group.
According to the U.S. Central Command, no injuries or damage were reported. The U.S.-led airstrikes against the Houthis began on Friday, Jan. 12, in response to the group’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The U.S. and United Kingdom forces struck more than 60 targets, including weapon depots, radars, and command centers. On Saturday, Jan. 13, another strike conducted by U.S. forces targeted a Houthi radar site.
Congressional leaders agree on two-tiered funding deal to avert shutdown
Congressional leaders announced on Sunday, Jan. 14, that they have agreed on a short-term funding bill to avert a partial government shutdown later this week. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., unveiled the two-tiered continuing resolution to fund the government through March 1 and 8.
Schumer said the Senate will begin moving the legislation through as soon as it reconvenes on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
“The bipartisan topline funding agreement reached ensures that America will be able to address many of the major challenges our country faces at home and abroad,” Schumer said in a statement.
In his own statement, Johnson said the bill is required to complete what House Republicans are working hard to achieve. The deal comes a week after last weekend’s agreement that set the overall spending level at $1.59 trillion. Should the bill pass, it will mark the third short-term spending deal since September.
The current deal, which went into effect in September, funded some federal departments until Jan. 19 and others until Feb. 2. This latest funding bill would need to be agreed upon by both the House and Senate by Friday, Jan. 19 to avoid a shutdown.
John Kerry expected to step down as special envoy for climate
According to multiple reports, John Kerry plans to step down as President Biden’s special envoy for climate by the spring. Kerry will reportedly go on to help Biden in his bid for reelection. Sources tell several news outlets that Kerry met Biden last week to tell the president of his decision to resign from the position. Kerry’s staff was notified on Saturday, Jan. 13.
Kerry has held the role since 2021 and led the U.S. through three international climate summits, including last month’s COP28. The 80-year-old former secretary of state is still expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland this week.
NFL Wild Card game on Peacock makes history
An update to the first NFL playoff game to air exclusively on a streaming platform, in no surprise to many, broke records, and not just with the temperature. The wild card game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, Jan. 13, aired on NBC’s streaming service Peacock, and it is now the most streamed U.S. event ever.
According to NBC, the game drew 23 million viewers, but that’s not all – it was also the country’s largest internet usage event. NBC said the wild card game accounted for 30% of web traffic, making Saturday, Jan. 13, the single highest day of U.S. internet usage in history. The Chiefs won the game 26-7.
Haley, DeSantis face off in GOP debate as Trump holds town hall: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 11, 2024
As the Iowa caucuses near, two Republican candidates spar on the debate stage while the former president holds a town hall. And an avalanche leads to at least one death at a California ski resort. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.
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Candidates clash in 2-person debate; Trump holds town hall
With just days to go until the Iowa caucuses, all eyes were on the Hawkeye state Wednesday night, Jan. 10, as two Republican candidates took the debate stage while the GOP frontrunner held a town hall at the same time. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley answered questions on immigration, abortion, Ukraine, and social issues while vying to be the alternative to former President Donald Trump, who has a commanding lead in polls nationwide and in Iowa.
The two candidates clashed throughout the night, each taking shots at the other. DeSantis said Haley is focused on appeasing her donors.
“We don’t need another mealy-mouthed politician who just tells you what she thinks you want to hear just to try to get your vote, then to get into office and to do her donor’s bidding,” DeSantis said.
Haley fired back and said DeSantis spread lies about her and had a piece of advice for those at Drake University, the location of the CNN debate.
“He has switched his policies multiple times, and we’ll call that out tonight,” Haley said. “But every time he lies, Drake University, don’t turn this into a drinking game because you will be overserved by the end of the night.”
The two sparred on their records, with Haley questioning DeSantis’ ability to lead the country, saying his campaign is “exploding” after seeing numerous personnel changes and millions of dollars spent. DeSantis responded that Haley is focusing on the political process, arguing that it is a topic voters don’t care about and a good window into her leadership.
The candidates touched on the former president, agreeing that Trump should have been on stage with them. However, the former president decided to skip the debate, taking part in a town hall on Fox News instead, where he was asked about a running mate.
“Well, I can’t tell you that, really. I mean, I know who it’s going to be,” Trump said.
The GOP field dwindled hours before the debate and the town hall when former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie dropped out of the race. Christie said there wasn’t a path forward for him to become president, and he would continue his goal to stop Trump from retaking office. But it was a hot mic moment just before his announcement that is getting a lot of attention. Christie was picked up on a livestream by his campaign criticizing Nikki Haley’s chances of becoming president.
“Yeah, that’s what you get. I mean, look, she’d spent $68 million so far just on TV, spent $68 million so far, $59 million by DeSantis, and we spent $12 (million),” Christie said. “I mean, who’s punching above their weight, and who’s getting a return on their investment? You know? And she’s gonna get smoked. And you and I both know it; she’s not up to this.”
Christie has not yet said if he would be endorsing any of the remaining candidates.
Donald Trump will not give his closing arguments in NY civil trial
Donald Trump will not deliver his closing arguments on Thursday, Jan. 11, in his civil fraud trial in New York as he hoped to do. The judge in the case was initially open to the idea, but only if the former president agreed to certain parameters.
However, in a series of heated email exchanges made public Wednesday, Jan. 10, Trump’s lawyers would not agree to the stipulations by the judge’s deadline, calling them unfair and saying Trump is being wrongfully demeaned. The judge responded by telling Trump’s team that he would not grant any further extensions, saying, “Take it or leave it.”
On his social platform, Truth Social, Trump called the judge “mean and nasty” and indicated he will still attend the court proceedings on Thursday, Jan. 11. The former president is accused of falsifying business records to receive better deals from banks and insurers. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Hunter Biden makes surprise visit as Republicans move to hold him in contempt
Hunter Biden is expected to plead not guilty on federal tax charges in a Los Angeles courtroom. This comes a day after the president’s son made a surprise visit to Capitol Hill as House Republicans moved to hold him in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena and not showing up to testify privately in their impeachment probe into his father, President Joe Biden. As the House Oversight Committee debated whether Hunter Biden should be held in contempt, he walked in and sat in the front row.
Biden’s appearance set off a political frenzy as a Republican called for his arrest on the spot, and Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene shouted that he was a “coward.” The House Oversight Committee and Judiciary Committee voted to push forward with holding Biden in contempt of Congress, with all Republicans voting for and Democrats voting against.
It is the latest in the impeachment probe into President Biden in which Republicans claim he financially benefited from his family’s business dealings as he served as vice president. Though the Bidens deny any wrongdoing, and Republicans have not produced any evidence of wrongdoing.
Now, the House will hold a final vote, and if the contempt referral passes, the Department of Justice will decide whether or not to prosecute Hunter Biden. In addition to these developments and the tax charges, Hunter Biden is also facing federal gun charges for unlawfully possessing a firearm.
1 killed, 3 injured in avalanche at California ski resort
One person was killed, and three others were injured when an avalanche hit a California ski resort near Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, Jan. 10. The avalanche occurred as a major winter storm brought heavy snow and gusty winds to the region.
The sheriff’s office said the debris field at the Palisade Tahoe Ski Resort spanned about 150 feet long and 10 feet deep. The person killed has been identified as a 66-year-old man who lived in a town nearby. The others are said to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The resort had just opened for the first time this season 30 minutes before disaster struck. The cause of the avalanche is under investigation.
Amazon cutting hundreds of positions in its studio, streaming.
Amazon is laying off several hundred employees in its streaming and studio operations. The online retail giant said in an internal memo on Wednesday, Jan. 10, that the company will eliminate hundreds of jobs in its Prime Video and MGM studios departments.
The cuts also affect around 500 roles in the Twitch streaming platform. In the memo to staff, Amazon leadership said the company would be shifting its investments to focus on the highest-impact products. Amazon has laid off more than 27,000 positions since late 2022.
Researchers say climate change led to the extinction of largest apes ever to live
New research is shedding more light on what happened to a great ape species, referred to by some as the real King Kong, that disappeared hundreds of thousands of years ago. The largest apes on record stood at ten feet tall, weighed 650 pounds, and likely resembled modern Orangutans. Now, scientists suggest climate change was the reason behind their extinction.
The apes survived in Southern China for around 2 million years, living off the fruits and flowers in the tropical forests. However, scientists said as the region experienced more dry seasons, the forests began producing fewer fruits for the apes to eat. The researchers analyzed pollen and sediment samples preserved in Chinese caves and fossilized teeth to help solve the mystery of the giant apes’ extinction.
Colorado GOP appeals ruling barring Trump from 2024 ballot: The Morning Rundown, Dec. 28, 2023
The Colorado Republican Party is appealing the ruling by the state’s high court that bans former President Trump from running again. And Apple is restocking its shelves after an import ban on its watches is temporarily blocked. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023.
Colorado Republican Party appeals ruling barring Trump from ballot
The Colorado Republican Party has appealed the state’s Supreme Court ruling that found former President Donald Trump is ineligible to run again due to the Constitution’s “insurrection clause.” In its 4-3 ruling last week, the Colorado Supreme Court determined that based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bans insurrectionists from holding office, Trump is barred from running for president because of his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
For the first time in American history, a former president has been disqualified from the ballot…
“For the first time in American history, a former president has been disqualified from the ballot, a political party has been denied the opportunity to put forward the presidential candidate of its choice, and the voters have been denied the ability to choose their chief executive through the electoral process,” party attorneys wrote in the filing.
Colorado’s Supreme Court had overturned a ruling from a district court judge who found that Trump incited an insurrection but could not be barred from the ballot because it was not clear if Section 3 covered the presidency. The Colorado Supreme Court put its ruling on hold until Jan. 4 to give time for an appeal. The former president said he also plans to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In a similar case, Michigan’s Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday, Dec. 27, that Trump could remain on the state’s ballot, with one judge saying Colorado’s election laws differ from Michigan’s.
House Republicans seek White House documents over Hunter Biden
House Republicans have requested that the White House turn over any documents related to President Biden’s alleged knowledge of his son Hunter Biden’s refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee in December. Republicans Jim Jordan and James Comer sent a letter to the White House looking for any correspondence regarding Hunter Biden’s scheduled deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Dec. 13.
…we are compelled to examine as part of our impeachment inquiry whether the president engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress…
Reps. James Comer, R-Ky., Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio
Hunter Biden defied the subpoena, telling reporters outside the U.S. Capitol that day that he would answer any relevant questions lawmakers had about his foreign business dealings in an open-door setting. Following Hunter Biden’s comments, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the president was “familiar with” what Hunter would say in his statement; Comer and Jordan said that comment sparked their probe.
“In light of an official statement from the White House that President Biden was aware in advance that his son, Hunter Biden, would knowingly defy two Congressional subpoenas, we are compelled to examine as part of our impeachment inquiry whether the president engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress,” Jordan and Comer wrote.
House Republicans have given the White House until Jan. 10 to turn over any documents related to the inquiry.
New York City mayor issues executive order for migrant charter buses
“We cannot allow buses with people needing our help to arrive without warning at any hour of day and night. This not only prevents us from providing assistance in an orderly way, it puts those who have already suffered so much in danger,” Adams said. “To be clear, this is not stopping people from coming, but about ensuring the safety of migrants and making sure they can arrive in a coordinated and orderly way.”
The U.S. is seeing a surge in illegal crossings at its southern border, with illegal crossings topping 10,000 some days.
Adams was joined in a virtual news conference by the Democratic mayors of Chicago and Denver, who are all pressing the federal government for more aid for the asylum seekers arriving in their cities.
Former U.S. Senator, Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl dies at 88
Herb Kohl, the former Democratic U.S. Senator from Wisconsin and owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, died on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the age of 88 after a brief illness, his foundation announced. In the 1970s, Kohl served as president of his family’s chain of supermarkets and department stores until the family sold their interest in 1979, which gave him time to fund his other passions outside of the business.
Starting in 1989, Kohl served 24 years in the U.S. Senate. He chaired the Senate Aging Committee and was a supporter of public education. Kohl purchased the Bucks in 1985 for $18 million, ensuring the team would not leave his hometown. In 2014, he sold the team while contributing $100 million toward the construction of a new arena. In 2021, the Bucks won the NBA championship; Kohl called it “one of the big days” of his life.
Apple restarts watch sales as court blocks import ban
Apple is bringing back its latest watches to its store shelves after a federal appeals court has temporarily blocked an import ban by the U.S. International Trade Commission.
“We are thrilled to return the full Apple Watch lineup to customers in time for the new year,” Apple said in a statement. “Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, including the blood oxygen feature, will become available for purchase again in the United States at Apple Stores starting [Wednesday] and from apple.com [Thursday] by 12 pm PT.”
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 28, all watches will be available online and in stores, a major victory for the tech giant in one of its most profitable times of the year. Still, Apple is not out of the woods, as the ongoing patent dispute with medical device company Masimo makes its way through the courts.
Masimo sued Apple in 2020 over patent infringement, claiming the tech company stole its blood-oxygen reading technology for its watches. Massimo has not commented on the latest decision, according to media reports.
Times Square restaurants, hotels offering NYE experiences
Those of you heading to Times Square to ring in the new year won’t have to spend a dime to see the ball drop from the street. But if you want to experience it from a nearby hotel or restaurant, that’s a different story.
Thinking of spending the night at the Olive Garden’s Times Square location? That will cost you $450 per person. The party atmosphere includes a buffet, open bar, and dancing, but a live view of the ball drop is not guaranteed. At Applebee’s, tickets start at $799 for its event, which includes similar accommodations plus a guided stroll to the street to celebrate the ball drop at midnight.
Bubba Gump Shrimp is also hosting a New Year’s party with a buffet, dessert stations, and party favors for a price of $1,015 per ticket.
If a hotel is more your speed, the Marriott Marquis is hosting a formal wear gala complete with a 5-hour buffet and floor-to-ceiling windows, and guests are given an unobstructed view of Times Square. The prime VIP package for two costs $12,500 to celebrate 2024 in style.
“I will continue to recruit our country’s best and brightest to run for elected office. The Republican Party is expanding every day, and I am committed to lending my experience to support the next generation of leaders,” McCarthy wrote in the Journal.
McCarthy’s exit means Republicans will hold just a 220-213 majority in the House of Representatives.
Straight Arrow News spoke with some of McCarthy’s Republican colleagues after he announced his resignation. Here are their reactions:
Rep. John Duarte, R-Calif.
“He’s irreplaceable. I mean Kevin traveled, worked so hard to build this majority over the last ten years. He’s been patient, he’s been thoughtful, he’s been strategic, he’s been a major player. I believe he’s one of the few adults in the room in American politics right now.”
Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga.
“It hurts to be in a narrow majority, especially when it’s down to that narrow. If something happens to somebody, if somebody gets injured, if somebody gets sick. You got a lot of elderly people in this, and I’m an ER doc, and I’m consequentially aware that anything could happen that could literally flip the majority just because somebody’s sick.”
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn. (One of the eight Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy as speaker.)
“He’s free to do what he wants to and he will make a lot of money.”
Rep. Garret Graves, R-La.
“McCarthy was one of the best speakers that we’ve had in modern history. He’s a great strategist, great on politics, he did the political side incredibly well and now we’re in a situation where the majority is even becoming more narrow.”
Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis.
“Even post-speaker, given his experience, his presence was very valuable. Particularly whenever tensions got heated he had a, he could kind of come in as the elder statesman. He will be missed.”
Speaker Johnson to blur Jan. 6 footage to prevent retaliation
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is releasing footage of the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol building to the public. Before he does, he’s having editors blur the faces of people in the footage.
“We want transparency. We should demand it. The American people do. We trust — House Republicans trust — the American people to draw their own conclusions. They should not be dictated by some narrative and accept that as fact,” Johnson said. “We have to blur some of the faces of some of [the] persons who participated in the events of that day because we don’t want them to be retaliated against and to be charged by the DOJ.”
Johnson’s office later walked back that comment. “Faces are to be blurred from public viewing room footage to prevent all forms of retaliation against private citizens from any non-governmental actors. The Department of Justice already has access to raw footage from Jan. 6, 2021,” Johnson’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Raj Shah said in a statement.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., further explained Republican concerns with retaliation: “There’s a group called sedition hunters that spends all of their time and resources and doxing these people. They find videos of them all over social media, any videos they can, and they use facial recognition software to identify them,” Greene told SAN. “Then they go to their employers, they go to their neighbors, and they go tell everyone and call them insurrectionists. Basically, intentionally ruining their lives.”
Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., said he doesn’t have a problem with the footage being released because the country already watched it live, but he did not agree with blurring faces.
He’s trying to protect people who he thinks could be guilty. That’s not the role of the speaker. It’s not the role of anybody really.
Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.
“He’s trying to protect people who he thinks could be guilty. That’s not the role of the speaker. It’s not the role of anybody really,” Cohen told SAN.
Former U.S. federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann agreed with that assessment and added that Johnson’s actions constituted “open contempt for the rule of law and a violation of his oath of office.”
Former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., who was a member of the Jan. 6 investigative committee, also addressed Johnson’s comments about accepting a narrative.
“Speaker Johnson is attempting to suggest there’s something in these tapes that would change the facts of what happened,” Cheney told CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “There’s nothing in the tapes that can change the facts of what happened that day, that can change the violent assault.”
Johnson said his office hired additional staff members to get the tapes out quicker but did not give an exact timeline.
Mayorkas hinted that a mass amnesty might be necessary. President Reagan granted such an amnesty in 1986. Now, almost four decades later, President Biden might need to do so again.
Secretary Mayorkas and multiple U.S. agencies estimate that there are roughly 12,000,000 undocumented immigrants living in the United States, although that number is contested, and it is impossible to know an exact figure. The mass amnesty that Reagan offered in 1986 covered around one-fourth that number.
President Biden had promised new pathways to citizenship during the previous election campaign cycle, but the bill that he sent to Congress in order to fulfill that promise has been stuck there ever since. It’s possible that a new election cycle might re-energize that effort.
House Republicans are blasting the Biden administration for spending so much money on the border crisis — costs which they estimate are at $451 billion per year — while the crisis still continues to become more severe over time. Other right-wing sources, however, calculate the total costs of illegal immigration at $150 billion, just one-third of the number used by the Republican-dominated Committee on Homeland Security.
In either case, as the crisis persists, these expenses only continue to increase. In comparison, Biden’s student loan forgiveness program would cost only $30 billion per year over a 10-year period, and the annual budget of the entire state of California is roughly $310 billion.
The House Committee on Homeland Security’s Nov. 13 report states that border towns and communities along the U.S.-Mexico border are having their emergency resources depleted, and that they face mounting shortages in housing, public school system capacity, and other government services.
Donald Trump made immigration a key talking point in his 2016 campaign. With his decisive lead in the GOP candidate field and the continuing crisis on the border, immigration is likely to become a major topic of debate once again, with Trump and Biden offering two different visions of how to address this crisis.
Humanitarian aid arrives in Gaza as Israel-Hamas war enters third week: The Morning Rundown, Oct. 23, 2023
Trucks of humanitarian aid arrive in Gaza as Israel continues its airstrikes against Hamas. And nine Republicans enter the race for speaker of the House. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.
Israel continues attacks on Hamas; more aid arrives for Gaza
According to Palestinian officials, as the war reaches multiple fronts, more trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrived in Gaza from Egypt.
The trucks carry food, water, and medical supplies. However, the United Nations humanitarian agency said what is being brought in is just a fraction of what is needed for the citizens of Gaza.
This morning, Oct. 23, the Israeli military said the number of hostages taken by Hamas has risen to 222.
On Friday, Oct. 20, Hamas released two American hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan, a mother and daughter from Illinois.
Hamas cited “humanitarian reasons” for their release.
President Joe Biden spoke with leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom on Sunday, Oct. 22. According to the White House, the countries “reiterated their support” for Israel and “its right to defend itself” and called for “adherence to international humanitarian law” to protect civilians.
At home, the Department of Homeland Security warned U.S. citizens that more antisemitic and Islamophobic hate attacks could occur in the country as the war in the Middle East intensifies.
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Michigan State apologizes for Hitler image on videoboard
As concerns grow over hate attacks in the U.S. and heightened tensions on college campuses amid the Israel-Hamas war, Michigan State University issued an apology for an incident that occurred on Saturday, Oct. 21, not on the football field, but on the videoboard.
Michigan State was displaying trivia questions on the board before kickoff when photos began being posted on social media showing an image of Adolf Hitler as one of the answers.
MSU suspended an employee over the incident. The university said the quiz was taken from a YouTube channel and would no longer use it as a source.
Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics Alan Haller said the image was “harmful to our communities, especially our Jewish community, which is currently experiencing a rise in antisemitism, including acts of violence.”
Next, the candidates will make their case during a closed-door Republican forum Monday, Oct. 23. An internal secret ballot vote is scheduled for Tuesday morning, Oct. 24, and a vote for speaker could be brought to the floor later in the day.
Nashville police chief’s son suspected of shooting two officers
The study also found that plant-based foods, in general, were negatively associated with PTSD symptoms, while red meat and processed meat were found to correlate with PTSD symptoms.
PTSD symptoms can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, like severe injuries, violence, or death. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 6% of adults will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
Rally, an investment platform, will offer 47,000 shares of his boyhood home in Commerce, Oklahoma, for $7 each.
Rally said the new owners could make proposals and vote on whether to turn the home into a museum for the New York Yankees legend or add a Little League field to the backyard.
Gaetz willing to be expelled from Republican conference if it helps Jordan
The eight Republicans who led the charge to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said they are willing to be expelled from the Republican conference as punishment if that’s what it takes to get the Republicans who don’t support Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, to vote for him for speaker. Here’s what they said:
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.
“So we’ve made them an offer. The eight of us have said that we are willing to accept censure, sanction, suspension, removal from the Republican conference. We of course will remain Republicans, we will continue to vote with Republicans on Republican principles. But if what these holdouts need is a pound of our flesh, we’re willing to give it to them in order to see them elect Jim Jordan for speaker.”
Rep. Bob Good, R-Va.
“We believe what we did was right, we stand behind what we did. We believe the Republican Party, the Republican conference needs to change. Congress needs to change. However, if we’re the reason that the conference can’t come together and elect our speaker-designee, then we’re willing to submit ourselves to whatever consequence.”
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn.
“This is not about us, this is bigger than us. That’s why we’re offering ourselves on this thing. I think that needs to be made clear. It’s not about the 435, it’s about the eight of us saying this is what we’ll do.”
Jordan lost support on a third round of ballots Friday — 25 Republicans voted against him compared to 22 during the second round.
Biden to address nation on Israel-Hamas war: The Morning Rundown, Oct. 19, 2023
President Biden is set to address the nation following his visit to Israel. And, after 18 years, the main suspect in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway confesses – these stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.
Biden to address nation on Israel-Hamas war; aid headed to Gaza
President Joe Biden will address the nation during a speech from the Oval Office Thursday night, Oct. 19, where he will update Americans on the U.S.’ response to the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Biden returned home after visiting Israel, where he reaffirmed the United States’ support of Israel in its war with Hamas following the terrorist attack that killed 1,400 people, including 31 Americans.
Biden also announced he secured a deal with Egypt to allow humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. According to Gaza authorities, more than 3,400 people have been killed since Israel began its airstrikes.
The president spoke to reporters about the need for aid while aboard Air Force One.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to the press in front of the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, onboard of Air Force One. (Reuters)
“I was very blunt with the Israelis. Israel has been badly victimized, but the truth is, if they have the opportunity to relieve suffering of people who have nowhere to go — it’s what they should do — and if they don’t, they’ll be held accountable in ways that may be unfair,” Biden said. “My point to everyone is if you have the opportunity to alleviate the pain, you should do it. Period.”
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Israel agreed to give aid to Gaza as long as it doesn’t benefit Hamas and said it would open its own checkpoints for aid only after Hamas releases the roughly 200 hostages taken during the Oct. 7 attack.
Biden said aid would likely begin to arrive in Gaza on Friday, Oct. 20.
The president’s visit to Israel came just a day after a blast at a hospital in Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 471 people were killed in the explosion.
While Gaza authorities said it was caused by an Israeli airstrike, the United States government has sided with Israel, saying evidence points to a failed rocket launch by a Palestinian militant group being behind the blast.
Back in the U.S., anti-war protesters descended on the Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
Straight Arrow News was there as approximately 300 people were arrested after protesting inside a congressional building. Hundreds of protesters blocked Independence Avenue directly outside the capitol building.
This all occurred as senators received a classified briefing regarding Israel.
U.S. resumes deportation flights to Venezuela
The United States resumed deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants on Wednesday, Oct. 18. The first plane, with about 130 passengers, took off from Texas and made a stop in Miami before landing in Venezuela.
This is the first time in years that U.S. immigration authorities are deporting migrants to Venezuela as the Biden administration searches for solutions to the growing number of people seeking asylum in the United States.
An official with ICE said the passengers prioritized for the first flight included migrants who recently arrived in the country and those who have committed crimes in the U.S.
Border Patrol said all the passengers had entered the U.S. illegally.
The U.S. plans to have “multiple” deportation flights per week to Venezuela.
Joran van der Sloot confesses to killing Natalee Holloway
Joran van der Sloot, the chief suspect in the 2005 disappearance of American teenager Natalee Holloway, has admitted to her mother he was responsible for Natalee’s death.
Van der Sloot made the confession in an Alabama courtroom Wednesday, Oct. 18, where he pleaded guilty to federal extortion and wire fraud charges.
The confession was part of a plea deal in which van der Sloot agreed to provide additional information to Natalee’s mother Beth Holloway about her daughter’s disappearance.
“Today, I can tell you with certainty that after 18 years, Natalee’s case is solved. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over. It’s over. Joran van der Sloot is no longer the suspect in my daughter’s murder. He is the killer,” Beth Holloway said.
Van der Sloot was charged with extorting hundreds of thousands of dollars from Natalee Holloway’s family in exchange for information following her disappearance.
In June 2023, van der Sloot was extradited to the U.S. from Peru, where he was serving a 28-year sentence in the 2010 murder of a 21-year-old college student.
Van der Sloot was sentenced Wednesday, Oct. 18, to 20 years in prison, which will run concurrently with the time he’s serving in Peru.
Jim Jordan fails to get enough votes for second time
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is hoping the third time is the charm as he intends to hold another vote on the House floor on Thursday, Oct. 19, to become the next speaker.
The Ohio Republican failed to reach a majority again during Wednesday’s, Oct. 18, vote, losing support the second go-around. Twenty-two House Republicans voted against Jordan, up from 20 on Tuesday, Oct. 17.
Following the second speaker vote, a spokesperson for Jordan said, “We’re going to keep going.”
As the House remains without an official speaker, a group of House Republicans is considering a measure to expand the power of temporary speaker Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., in order to address issues like preventing a government shutdown and funding aid packages for Israel and Ukraine. But others are opposed, saying that would be unconstitutional.
Our political correspondent Ray Bogan has more on these developments in his report.
Woman arrested for trying to approach Trump during trial
An arrest was made during the civil fraud trial of former President Donald Trump in New York on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
A woman was taken into custody after trying to approach the former president, who was attending the trial for the second time this week. She was quoted as saying, “I want to speak to Mr. Trump.”
A court officer told her to sit back down, and then, moments later, she was escorted out of the courtroom by several officers.
The woman, later identified as a court employee, was arrested on a contempt charge for disrupting a court proceeding. A court spokesperson said the woman has been placed on administrative leave and is barred from entering state courts during the investigation.
When asked about the arrest, Trump said he was not aware of the incident as it happened behind him in the courtroom.
The former president and his company are being accused by the New York attorney general of overvaluing his assets to banks and insurance companies. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
Wheaties features video game character on box for first time
History is being made at the breakfast table on Thursday morning, Oct. 19. Wheaties, “the breakfast of champions,” as the cereal’s tagline goes, is doing something it has never done in its 100-plus years — feature a video game character on its box.
The General Mills cereal brand is releasing a special edition box featuring Marvel’s Spider-Man character. The collaboration between Wheaties and Marvel coincides with the release of the “Spider-Man 2” video game on Friday, Oct. 20.
The limited-edition box is exclusively available on the Wheaties website.
But it’s going to take the Marvel superhero a while if he wants to catch up to Michael Jordan, who has been featured on the Wheaties box 19 times — the most of any athlete.
