Post-debate Google News search results for Vance were 100% left-leaning: Study
With Election Day just about a month away, voters researching candidates through Google News searches may be getting information from sources with a left-leaning bias. According to a study by the conservative media watchdog Media Research Center (MRC), Google, the largest search engine in the world, is prioritizing results from left-leaning news outlets.
Following the recent vice presidential debate, MRC found that headlines populating Google News under certain keywords were exclusively from left-leaning outlets. Specifically, a search for “J.D. Vance” on debate night revealed that every article, 100%, came from outlets with a Left political bias, including major organizations like The New York Times, BBC, CNN and CBS News.
A subsequent search for “Tim Walz” yielded only slightly better results, with 90% of articles from left-leaning outlets, and just one article from Fox News Digital.
This marks MRC’s 21st election-related study, all demonstrating similar patterns of bias. For instance, a study conducted the day before the debate found that searches for “Kamala Harris presidential race 2024” returned only left-leaning news until the 13th page of results, where a Fox News article appeared.
Similarly, a search for “Donald Trump presidential campaign websites” did not show a right-leaning result until the 14th page, where a New York Post article was listed.
Former President Trump took to Truth Social last week to express grievances about alleged biases in Google’s news search results, claiming the platform has “illegally used a system of only revealing bad stories about Trump” while promoting positive stories about Harris. He called this a “blatant interference of elections.”
In response, Google issued a statement to The New York Times, asserting that “both campaign websites consistently appear at the top of search for relevant and common search queries.”
The company refuted MRC’s findings, telling CNBC, “Queries about the presidential election or candidates generally surface links to constantly changing news articles reflecting what’s on the web — so they change all the time. We absolutely do not manipulate search results to favor any candidate.”
Walz asks Vance to clarify immigration impact on housing; Here are the studies
Does illegal immigration impact the U.S. housing market, and if so, to what degree? This issue arose during Tuesday, Oct. 1’s debate.
“Senator Vance, you said you don’t like the economists. Which economists are saying that immigrants are adding to the cost?” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, D, asked Ohio Sen. JD Vance, R.
“Senator, I’d like you to clarify,” said Margaret Brennan, the CBS moderator. “There are many contributing factors to high housing costs. What evidence do you have that migrants are part of this problem?”
“Well, there’s a Federal Reserve study we’re happy to share after the debate. We’ll put it up on social media, actually, that really drills down on the connection between increased levels of migration, especially illegal immigration, and higher housing prices,” Vance said.
Vance took to X after the debate to post a link to an economic speech given in May by Michelle Bowman, a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. He highlighted an excerpt in which she said, “Given the current low inventory of affordable housing, the inflow of new immigrants to some geographic areas could result in upward pressure on rents, as additional housing supply may take time to materialize.”
Vance also linked to two other studies. One from the Journal of Housing Economics stated, “Immigration inflows into a particular metropolitan statistical area (MSA) are associated with increases in rents and house prices in that MSA while also seeming to drive up rents and prices in neighboring MSAs.”
A study by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, titled “Effects of the Immigration Surge on the Federal Budget and the Economy,” found “the research literature has generally found that increases in immigration raise state and local governments’ spending—particularly on education, health care, and housing—more than their revenues.”
While these studies acknowledge a correlation between mass immigration and the housing crisis, Straight Arrow News wanted to determine the extent to which the increase in migrants impacts housing.
According to the Center for Immigration Studies, “As of 2024, the U.S. was short 4 to 7 million housing units. The foreign-born population has increased by 6.6 million since 2021, with 58% of this increase coming from illegal immigration.”
“Some estimates suggest immigration may increase overall housing demand by around 500,000 units per year,” the study read. “Consequently, housing costs and rents have risen in areas most affected by mass immigration, such as Miami and Denver, which have struggled to cope with a massive influx of migrants since 2021.”
While studies show an immediate impact on housing demand as immigration numbers climb, some economists cited by the Associated Press argue that immigrants are part of the solution to the lack of supply, noting that immigrants make up about 20% of the construction workforce needed to build more homes.
Journalist banned from X after posting leaked JD Vance dossier
An independent journalist has been permanently banned from X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, after posting a controversial dossier containing sensitive information about Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. Ken Klippenstein, known for his investigative reporting, shared the 271-page document, which was reportedly leaked by Iranian hackers and included Vance’s home address and part of his Social Security number.
Klippenstein, who had amassed over 500,000 followers, initially posted the document in full. After receiving backlash over the inclusion of personal information, he removed the sensitive details and reposted the document.
However, X still decided to ban him from the platform, citing violations of the platform’s policy on doxxing and privacy breaches.
In an interview with Substack co-founder Hamish McKenzie, Klippenstein expressed frustration with the decision and voiced concerns over what he called an attack on free speech.
The leaked dossier is part of a larger cyber operation that targeted U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump’s campaign.
U.S. intelligence agencies confirmed Iranian involvement in the hacks. The FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence all verified the source of the leak in August 2024.
Despite its origins, major media outlets like Politico and The New York Times declined to publish the dossier’s contents due to concerns over privacy and national security.
Klippenstein defended his decision to share the document, arguing that the public has a right to access this kind of information, especially given Vance’s role as Trump’s running mate in the upcoming presidential election.
He dismissed concerns that the release could increase the risk of political violence against Vance, calling such fears exaggerated. Instead, Klippenstein framed the issue as one of transparency. He asserted that people should have the ability to assess the information for themselves.
In response to his ban, Klippenstein criticized X owner Elon Musk, accusing him of succumbing to external pressures and undermining the platform’s commitment to free speech. He argued that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for independent journalists and whistleblowers who rely on social media to disseminate information.
Klippenstein remains active on other platforms like Instagram and Substack, where he continues to discuss the implications of his removal from X.
X did not comment on the ban, but Musk posted earlier this year that any doxxing, which includes revealing private information, will result in account suspension.
Vance, Walz defend their running mates’ records in vice presidential debate
We have a recap of the first, and likely only, vice presidential debate of 2024. And Iran has launched its largest attack ever on Israel. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.
Vance, Walz defend their running mates’ records in vice presidential debate
For the first time, the two vice presidential candidates took the stage next to one another Tuesday night, Oct. 1. Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz introduced themselves to American voters while defending their running mates’ opposing views.
Vance and Walz kept the vice presidential debate cordial, at various times saying they agreed with the other, but they sparred on the policies and the statements made by their parties’ presidential nominees, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Look if you’re going to be president, you don’t have all the answers. Donald Trump believes he does. My pro tip of the day is this, if you need heart surgery, listen to the people at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, not Donald Trump,” Walz said.
“I honestly, Tim, I think you got a tough job here because you’ve got to play whack-a-mole; you’ve got to pretend that Donald Trump didn’t deliver rising take-home pay, which of course he did; you’ve got to pretend that Donald Trump didn’t deliver lower inflation, which of course he did; and then you simultaneously got to defend Kamala Harris’ atrocious economic record,” Vance said.
The debate covered many topics including abortion, climate change, the economy and health care. The two opened the 90-minute CBS News debate discussing the conflict in the Middle East and the need for stability in the White House.
“I’m 40 years old, when was the last time that an American president didn’t have a major conflict break out? The only answer is during the four years that Donald Trump was president,” Vance said.
“So Iran is closer to a nuclear weapon than they were before because of Donald Trump’s fickle leadership. And when Iran shot down an American aircraft in international airspace, Donald Trump tweeted because that’s the standard diplomacy of Donald Trump,” Walz said.
On illegal immigration, Vance and Walz disagreed on whether former President Trump’s involvement helps or hurts solving the border crisis.
“But as soon as I was getting ready to pass [legislation] and actually tackle this, Donald Trump said no, told them to vote against it because it gives him a campaign issue,” Walz said.
“We have a historic immigration crisis because Kamala Harris started and said that she wanted to undo all of Donald Trump’s border policies — 94 executive orders, suspending deportations, decriminalizing illegal aliens, massively increasing the asylum fraud that exists in our system. That has opened the floodgates,” Vance said.
When the debate turned to gun violence, the two VP contenders shared a moment, highlighting the human aspect and often the aftermath.
“I think all the parents watching tonight, this is just your biggest nightmare. Look, I got a 17-year-old and he witnessed a shooting at a community center playing volleyball, those things don’t leave you,” Walz said.
When it was his turn to speak, Vance responded, “Tim, first of all, I didn’t know that your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting and I’m sorry about that and I hope he’s doing OK. Christ have mercy, it is it is awful.”
Things, however, turned contentious over the 2020 election and Jan. 6.
“[January 6, 2021] was a threat to our democracy in a way that we had not seen, and it manifested itself because of Donald Trump’s inability to say — he is still saying, he didn’t lose the election,” Walz said.
Vance replied, “Tim, I’m focused on the future. Did Kamala Harris censor Americans from speaking their mind in the wake of the 2020 COVID situation?”
“That is a damning non-answer,” Walz said.
Both candidates thanked each other for the debate and the viewers at home, who will make their decision at the polls on Election Day, Nov. 5, in just 34 days.
Trump backs out of ’60 Minutes’ election special; Harris interview to still air
CBS News says former President Trump has backed out an upcoming interview with “60 Minutes.”
For decades, “60 Minutes” has broadcast election specials with the candidates. CBS reported both Trump and Vice President Harris had agreed to take part in this year’s special in separate one-on-one interviews, but Trump has since reportedly changed his mind.
In a press conference last night, Trump said his decision was based on his last interview with CBS anchor Lesley Stahl in 2020 — which he walked out of early.
“They came to me and would like me to do an interview, but first, I want to get an apology because the last time I did an interview with them, if you remember, they challenged me on the computer,” Trump said. “They said the laptop from hell was from Russia. And I said, ‘It wasn’t from Russia, it was from Hunter [Biden].’ And I never got an apology, so I’m sort of waiting. I’d love to do ’60 Minutes’, I do everything.”
In a statement of its own, “60 Minutes” said the special will still move forward.
“Our election special will broadcast the Harris interview on Monday as planned,” the statement read. “Our original invitation to former President Donald Trump to be interviewed on ’60 Minutes’ stands.”
The special is set to air Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. ET.
Iran launches largest-ever attack on Israel; Israel vows retaliation
Israel has vowed to retaliate after Iran launched its largest ever attack on Israel. Late Tuesday, Iran fired more than 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which seem to have been intercepted by the Israeli military with help from the United States and other allies.
So far, one person has been reported to have died in the attack, and the extent of the damage is not yet known.
Iran’s military chief also warned of broader strikes if Israel responds. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already vowed to do so, saying, “Iran made a big mistake and it will pay for it.”
Also Tuesday, just before Iran’s barrage began, at least six people were killed and a dozen more hurt when Israeli police say two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a train station in Tel Aviv. Police say the shooting was an act of terrorism and one of the gunmen was killed at the scene while the other was severely injured.
No specific group has claimed responsibility for that deadly attack.
Search and rescue efforts continue in North Carolina after Helene
Combs is already being held without bond at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have said he is innocent of all charges.
Louisiana governor supports bringing back live tiger mascot to LSU games
College sports are known for fierce competition. Now the governor of Louisiana is looking at making things even more ferocious by bringing back an old Louisiana State University football mainstay.
Officials from PETA are now speaking out against the idea, saying it would be cruel and dangerous for the animal.
These days, the current tiger mascot is on campus in an enclosure near the stadium, but the governor says returning the tiger to the field would be “an unbelievable opportunity.” LSU officials have not yet commented on whether there is a possibility of seeing a live tiger at football games once again.
Dockworkers begin strike at East and Gulf coast ports
Tens of thousands of dockworkers are now on strike across the country — what that could mean for you. And the first and only vice presidential debate is just hours away. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.
Dockworkers begin strike at east and gulf coast ports
Thousands of dockworkers along the East and Gulf coasts have walked off the job, impacting the movement of billions of dollars’ worth of goods. They took to the picket lines just after midnight Tuesday, Oct. 1, once the contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance officially lapsed.
The ILA has been calling for higher wages for workers and a total ban on automation in a new contract at some of the busiest ports in the country.
The two sides have not met face-to-face since June. Monday, Sept. 30, the Maritime Alliance asked for an extension, but the ILA did not grant one.
The strike has the potential to cause shortages and price increases of consumer goods right as the holiday shopping season approaches. Trucking companies and freight rail operators were scrambling to move billions in products in advance of the strike.
President Joe Biden could invoke a federal labor law to force the longshoremen back to work, but he has said he has no intention of doing that. Straight Arrow News’ Business Correspondent Simone Del Rosario spoke with Syracuse University Professor of Supply Chain Practice Patrick Penfield about when he thinks the White House should step in.
“I give it at least five days, I think,” Penfield said. “After that, I think the government really needs to step in.”
He added, “I think that’s really all we can afford, to be honest with you. And I think, again, if you’re the Biden administration, this is probably a worry because it’s an election year, right? So, again, if the constituents see that there’s issues and problems here and you don’t resolve them, then that could be bad for, you know, whoever’s running for office.”
JD Vance, Tim Walz to take the stage for vice presidential debate tonight
Tuesday is debate night in America once again, this time, between the two vice presidential nominees. Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will participate in the first and only vice presidential debate with just 35 days to go until Election Day.
The 90-minute debate will be hosted by CBS News and simulcast on other networks. It will take place from the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City and moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and “Face the Nation” moderator Margaret Brennan.
There will be two commercial breaks during which campaign staff cannot interact with their candidates. Pre-written notes are not allowed and, unlike the presidential debates, a candidate’s microphone will not be muted when the other is talking.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, Vance won the virtual coin toss and opted to go last with his closing statement.
The Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris visited FEMA headquarters, where she told them she and President Biden would do everything they could to help the communities impacted.
“The destruction we have seen in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia is heartbreaking,” Harris said. “In coordination with state and local officials, President Biden and I will continue to make sure that communities have the support and the resources that they need not only to respond to this storm and its immediate aftermath but also the resources they will need to recover.”
President Biden said he will visit hard-hit North Carolina on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Harris said she will be on the ground “as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Republican nominee former President Donald Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia, which suffered severe damage from Helene. While there, Trump said this was not a time for politics.
“As you know, our country is in the final weeks of a hard-fought national election, but in a time like this, when a crisis hits, when our fellow citizens cry out in need, none of that matters,” he said. “We’re not talking about politics now. We have to all get together and get this solved. We need a lot of help. They have to have a lot of help down here. We look out for one another. We pull together, we pitch in, we persevere and we pull it through. That is really the American spirit. That’s what made America originally great.”
Though Trump said he’d leave politics out of it, some of his words caused controversy in Washington. Trump claimed President Biden had not spoken with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R).
Biden responded saying Trump is lying and Kemp himself said he spoke with the president on Sunday, Sept. 29.
Israel launches ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon
The newest phase of war in the Middle East appears to have officially arrived as Israel has begun ground attacks in Lebanon. It’s the escalation in fighting there that the United States and its allies have been trying to keep from happening for weeks now.
Israel now says there’s intense fighting between its troops and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which started launching strikes against Israel not long after the war with Hamas broke out in October of last year. Hezbollah has said the strikes are a show of solidarity with Hamas.
On Tuesday, Hezbollah said it had launched rocket and artillery attacks against Israeli troops at positions within Israel, but didn’t mention Israeli forces within Lebanon.
CVS board assessing options, including potential company break-up
CVS could be splitting up. According to a new report from Reuters, the company is exploring options to potentially separate its retail and insurance units, as it struggles to rebound into the health care giant that company leaders have been envisioning.
Investors want the company to improve its operations as CVS’ earnings outlook continues to decrease.
Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the company’s board has been discussing options with its financial advisers in recent weeks — including what a possible split could look like. The sources said the board has not made any decisions yet and could still choose not to make any major changes to the business.
Fmr. NBA star Dikembe Mutombo, MLB hit king Pete Rose pass away
The sports world is remembering two gifted athletes who died on Monday.
Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer. Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA, was an eight-time All-Star and went on to serve as the league’s first global ambassador.
He became famous for his finger wag after blocking another player’s shot.
In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Mutombo “simply larger than life.”
In his 24-year career, Rose won three World Series championships and was a 17-time All-Star.
However, his career took a turn in 1989 when he was banned from baseball for gambling on games as manager of the Cincinnati Reds. After denying it for many years, Rose would eventually admit he did bet on games in his 2004 autobiography.
Despite not being in the Hall of Fame, Rose still remains on top of the MLB’s career hit list with 4,256 hits. Fans and supporters will remember him as “Charlie Hustle.”
At least 3 dead as Helene barrels through southeastern US
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida overnight as a major Category 4 storm, leaving at least 3 people dead and leading to massive power outages. And the Oakland A’s have played their final home game after 57 years. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
At least 3 dead as Helene barrels through southeastern U.S.
The storm brought the anticipated life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and heavy rains. Meteorologists say just because the storm has weakened significantly, does not make it less dangerous.
Authorities in Pasco County, Florida rescued people trapped by heavy flooding. One person was killed on Interstate 4 near Tampa when a sign fell on their car, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Authorities in Wheeler County, Georgia said two people were killed when an apparent tornado overturned a mobile home. Two others died in Laurens County, according to emergency officials.
As of early Friday morning, more than one million people in Florida were without power, as were hundreds of thousands more in Georgia. Power outages linked to Helene have also been reported in South Carolina and North Carolina.
The National Hurricane Center said tropical storm conditions will be felt throughout the southeast throughout Friday, with strong, damaging winds likely to “penetrate as far inland as the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians.”
Trump says he will meet with Zelenskyy to hear ‘victory plan’
The decision comes after there was some doubt whether the meeting between the two would occur — after both Trump and Zelenskyy have been critical of each other.
On Thursday, the Ukrainian president met with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris separately to discuss his plan to defeat Russia. Biden pledged to send billions of dollars more in missiles, drones, weapons, and supplies.
Meanwhile, Harris told Zelenskyy recent calls for Ukraine to give over some of its land to Russia are “dangerous and unacceptable,” referring to recent suggestions by Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Both have suggested Ukraine should cut a deal quickly to end the war that’s been going on for almost three years now.
Trump has stated that if he wins the November election, he will end the Russia-Ukraine war even before he takes office.
Zelenskyy also met with members of Congress Thursday in an effort to shore up American support for the ongoing war.
DOJ expected to announce charges in alleged Iranian hack of Trump campaign
Investigators said Iran gained access to Trump campaign emails and sent files to various media outlets and the Biden-Harris campaign this summer, before President Biden dropped out of the race and Vice President Harris took over as the Democratic nominee.
Reports said multiple Iranian hackers will be charged. Sources told ABC News the Trump campaign has been informed of the charges.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams to appear in federal court
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to make an appearance in federal court Friday. He will be arraigned on charges including bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national.
It marked the second time this year the state has employed this controversial method.
Miller was sentenced to death in 2000 for a 1999 shooting that killed three men he had worked with, after he accused them of spreading rumors about him.
The Alabama Department of Corrections said the procedure involved Miller being fitted with a mask and nitrogen gas flowing into his system for about 15 minutes.
According to the Associated Press, Miller’s final words were, “I didn’t do anything to be here.”
The game had plenty of emotion as well as some interruptions. Somebody threw a smoke bomb onto the field at one point, and a fan ran onto the field and made a dash for it, as well.
In the end, A’s fans soaked up all the memories, staying well past the final out.
The team will now relocate to Sacramento for the next three seasons before moving to their new permanent home in Las Vegas in 2028.
Haitian group files criminal charges against Trump, Vance
The leader of a Haitian group in Ohio filed criminal charges against former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. This comes following the comments they made about migrants living in Springfield.
The Chandra Law Firm, the group representing the Haitian Bridge Alliance, said the charges stem from the impact Trump and Vance’s “baseless fear-mongering that legal Haitian immigrants are eating their neighbor’s pets.”
The Haitian group filed criminal charges under an Ohio statute that allows private citizens to do so.
Trump and Vance have been charged with multiple offenses including disrupting public services and making false alarms.
The affidavit stated the two disrupted public service by “causing widespread bomb and other threats that resulted in massive disruptions.”
The filing asks the Clark County Municipal Court to proclaim there is probable cause and issue arrest warrants against Trump and Vance.
The communications director for the Trump-Vance campaign responded, “President Trump is rightfully highlighting the failed immigration system that Vice President Kamala Harris has overseen, bringing thousands of illegal immigrants pouring into communities like Springfield and many others across the country.”
Some of the Haitians living in Springfield said they feared for their safety as public vitriol increased.
Ohio state law will require a hearing to take place before the affidavit can move forward.
Speaker Johnson unveils stopgap funding bill to avoid government shutdown
With just days to spare until a government shutdown, congressional leaders have agreed on a short-term funding bill. And the manhunt continues for suspects in a weekend shooting in Birmingham, Alabama that left four killed and more than a dozen injured. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.
Speaker Johnson unveils stopgap government spending bill to avoid shutdown
With just about a week to spare, Congress has reached a deal to avoid a government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday, Sept. 22, the House will vote this week on a three-month stopgap funding bill that would keep the federal government open until Dec. 20.
In a letter to house members, Johnson said the bill is “bare bones” and only includes “the extensions that are absolutely necessary.” Unlike a previous version, this bill does not include legislation concerning proof of citizenship to register to vote, but it does include an additional $230 million for Secret Service funding.
The Rules Committee is set to review the spending bill Monday afternoon, Sept. 23. House GOP leaders say lawmakers will likely vote on it on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
If this bill does not pass, government funding is slated to run out next Monday, Sept. 30.
Race tightens with 43 days to go until Election Day
With 43 days to go until Election Day, a new poll is showing just how close the race is between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. A CBS News poll released Sunday, Sept. 22, found Harris leading Trump 52% to 48% among likely voters.
This comes as former President Trump says this run for the presidency will be his last. He revealed that information Sunday during an interview on “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkinson.”
Also over the weekend, the vice president said she has agreed to another debate with the former president. Harris said she would debate Trump on CNN on Oct. 23. In response, Trump told supporters at a North Carolina rally it’s too late for another debate as early voting has already begun in some states.
Looking ahead, Trump will be campaigning in Indiana Monday while Harris is expected to release more on her economic plan this week.
No suspects in custody after 4 killed, 17 hurt in Alabama shooting
They believe it was a paid “hit” on one specific person, with everyone else caught in the crossfire. Witnesses say multiple suspects pulled up in a car, got out and fired dozens of gunshots, then quickly took off.
Birmingham’s mayor said this is not the first time this year the city has seen gun violence like this. During a news conference Sunday, he called it a “solvable problem.”
“We don’t have any interest in this whole debate about second amendment rights,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “We don’t have any interest in people who want to protect their homes, militia or whatever else you want to say. There’s a certain element in this city, there’s a certain element in this community who are too comfortable running around with semi-automatic weapons, automatic weapons, conversion switches and everything else, whose only intent, hell bent intent, is to harm people, shoot people, kill people.”
Investigators say they do believe the person who was targeted is among the people who died.
Israel warns residents to leave areas in Lebanon near Hezbollah targets
The Lebanese health ministry said one person was killed and six injured in the latest attacks across the southern and eastern portions of the country. These latest strikes come after last week’s explosions targeting walkie-talkies and pagers, and Friday’s, Sept. 20, attack on Beirut which killed 45 people, including a senior Hezbollah commander.
When asked if the latest assaults indicate an imminent ground invasion, an IDF spokesperson said right now, Israel is focused on its aerial campaign.
Embattled Secret Service faces big test at U.N. General Assembly
The agency is already facing heavy criticism after two separate assassination attempts on former President Trump. Now it’s tasked with protecting more than 140 world leaders, including those from Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine.
The U.S. General Assembly is considered the biggest event that the Secret Service is charged with protecting each year — bigger than the Super Bowl, which is also considered a major national security event.
The agency is working with multiple others, from the NYPD to the Coast Guard, to keep everyone safe, and maintains it is confident they will do just that.
Chicago White Sox lose 120th game to tie modern-day MLB record
Since 1900, only the 1962 New York Mets have lost so many games in a season. The White Sox already surpassed the 2003 Detroit Tigers for the most losses by an American League team.
With six games to go in the regular season, it’s looking like Chicago is going to set another record. The White Sox’s next game is Tuesday, Sept. 24, against the Los Angeles Angels in Chicago.
After over 30 bomb threats, Springfield mayor assumes emergency powers
After more than 30 bomb threats against city officials and others, which caused the evacuation of schools and government buildings, Mayor Rob Rue, R, granted himself temporary emergency powers on Thursday, Sept. 19. Rue said the city charter gives him the authority to order local law enforcement to cases of civil unrest, cybercrimes and acts of violence more quickly without contractual or purchasing obligations.
Rue said in a statement on Thursday, “Ensuring the safety of Springfield’s residents is our top priority.”
Rue and the city said that the emergency powers will be lifted once the threat level for the city has dropped but based on ongoing assessments, it could be extended or discontinued.
The decision to enact the powers comes after false claims by former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance that Haitian migrants were eating local pets and wildlife.
Rue, Springfield city officials, and Gov. Mike DeWine, R, have all said there is no evidence of such acts ever taking place, and the Haitian Community Support Center in Springfield told NBC News that the conspiracy theories have made local Haitians “scared for their lives.”
Gov. DeWine sent 36 Ohio state troopers to Springfield earlier this week after an announcement on Monday, Sept. 17, to do sweeps of schools before and after students and staff arrived. DeWine said that most of the threats are from overseas and not legitimate, but he is taking action out of an abundance of caution.
Trump announced Wednesday, Sept. 18, that he planned to visit Springfield in the coming weeks, though he didn’t offer specifics surrounding the visit. Rue, a Republican, has repeatedly said that a visit from Trump would strain Springfield’s already thinly stretched resources, and previously said that he wouldn’t mind if the former president skipped the visit altogether.
Trump also vowed to visit Aurora, Colorado, on Wednesday, saying he would do so in the coming weeks as well. The GOP front-runner made claims that a Venezuelan gang had taken over an apartment complex in Aurora earlier this month, and other false stories about Venezuelans in the city. Local officials denied that any Venezuelan gang was living in the apartment complex.
Southern border migrant activity returns to Trump-era levels
Migrant apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border increased slightly in August. The total of those taken into custody remains on track to be the lowest annual figure since the end of the Trump administration, Customs and Border Protection reported Monday, Sept. 16.
Border Patrol agents recorded about 58,000 apprehensions between ports of entry last month, a rise from the previous month but still less than half the number from August 2023. This comes after a sharp decline in migration following the implementation of stricter asylum rules by the Biden administration in June.
Reuters
Migrant encounters surged after President Joe Biden took office, reaching a peak of 250,000 in December 2023, the highest monthly total on record. However, since the administration tightened asylum regulations in response to political pressure, apprehensions have fallen sharply. In July, the number of border apprehensions hit a four-year low.
Getty Images
CBP officials expect the total number of encounters for the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, to be the lowest since 2020 and lower than the monthly average in 2019.
Despite the recent drop, immigration remains a prominent issue in the 2024 election, with former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance making it a central theme in their campaigns. Both have called for more aggressive border security measures.
As the Biden administration works to maintain lower migration levels, political debate surrounding immigration policy is expected to intensify in the coming months.
