F1 adding Cadillac as second American team for 2026 season
General Motors (GM) will officially make its debut in Formula One (F1) during the 2026 season. The marquee global racing series said Monday, Nov. 25, that it will allow a Cadillac F1 team run by GM to make its debut during 2026 testing.
GM has a long history in car racing. Chevrolets have taken NASCAR legends like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson to victory lane. Oldsmobile, Chevy and GM’s retired brand, won 21 Indianapolis 500’s.
The announcement wraps up a years-long legal battle for Formula One and its owners Liberty Media. It also adds a second American racing team to F1.
U.S. racing legend Michael Andretti first launched the bid in partnership with GM. But after Liberty rejected his effort, it led to a Justice Department investigation into a potential violation of antitrust laws.
Andretti stepped aside from his company in September. His namesake company, Andretti Global, will operate the team for GM and Cadillac. Andretti’s father, former F1 and IndyCar champion Mario Andretti, will serve as the team board’s director.
GM President Mark Reuss celebrated the agreement.
“It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world,” Reuss said.
The approval comes as Formula One has grown its presence in the U.S. in recent years. The announcement came just after the series held its second annual race along the Las Vegas Strip. The U.S. now hosts three annual F1 races, the most of any country.
Cadillac will become the second American F1 team. But the existing American-owned team, run by businessman Gene Haas, has struggled and does not employ any American drivers. Haas runs a successful NASCAR team, Stewart-Haas, with NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart.
For the first two seasons, the Cadillac team will rely on engines made by Italian sports car brand Ferrari. However, GM said it plans to have a Cadillac engine ready for the team to use starting in the 2028 season.
NBC complies with ‘equal time’ rule for Trump following Harris ‘SNL’ cameo
NBC has filed a notice with the Federal Communications Commission after Vice President Kamala Harris’ brief appearance on “Saturday Night Live” over the weekend of Nov. 2. The network provided former President Donald Trump with airtime to ensure compliance with the FCC’s equal time rule, which requires broadcasters to offer equal access to competing political candidates.
The rule dates back to the Communications Act of 1934, originally designed to ensure fairness and balanced coverage on broadcast airwaves. It requires that if a candidate is given airtime on a broadcast station, other qualified candidates must also be given equivalent opportunities.
Although there are exceptions to the rule, like appearances in news programs, interviews, or documentaries, entertainment programs can still trigger the rule.
AP Images
Harris’s appearance on “SNL” was brief, clocking in at just one minute and 30 seconds. She joined comedian Maya Rudolph in a skit where Rudolph portrayed Harris, a role she has played several times on “SNL” ahead of elections.
However, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, a Trump-appointed senior Republican, quickly raised concerns on social media, calling it “a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule.”
Getty Images
NBC responded by airing Trump’s message to viewers during the NASCAR 2024 Cup playoffs on Sunday, granting him airtime to balance Harris’ cameo.
Carr later appeared on Fox News, urging the FCC to take “every single option” into account if violations are confirmed, emphasizing the need for impartiality across the board.
The equal time rule, while still enforced on broadcast stations, does not apply to cable networks, podcasts, social media or streaming services.
With more people turning to digital platforms for news and entertainment, the rule faces challenges in keeping pace with changing media consumption habits.
Critics argue this could limit its effectiveness and relevance, raising questions about its future in a digital-dominated world.
Sports leagues come together to combat hate in America
In a sign of true sportsmanship, eight American sports leagues have come together to back a new campaign targeting hate in the U.S. It is an idea from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his foundation to combat antisemitism.
The initiative brought together the heads of the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, NWSL, MLS, and NASCAR to come up with plans to curb hate of any kind in the country. The sports leaders are spending $50 million to get the word out.
The campaign, titled “Timeout Against Hate,” launched during Thursday Night Football on Oct. 10, with a commercial featuring legendary figures and current-day athletes from all sports speaking out against hate.
At least 15 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
The death toll from Hurricane Milton rises as millions are left without power in the storm’s aftermath. And one person is killed and 12 others rescued after a disaster during a tour of a Colorado mine. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
At least 8 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
At least 15 people are dead (that number has risen since Unbiased Updates was recorded Friday morning, Oct. 11), and 2.6 million homes and businesses remain without power as Florida begins to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Milton roared across the state. It was the second devastating storm to batter the Sunshine State in less than two weeks.
Now a post-tropical cyclone, Milton is expected to continue to weaken over the next few days.
While Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast near Sarasota, most of the deaths reported have been in the eastern part of the state, where dozens of tornadoes have been reported. While the storm did not prove to be the worst-case scenario, rescuers have been very busy pulling and dragging hundreds of people from flooded areas to safety.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden have both said in this case, warnings came early and often, spurring tens of thousands of people to evacuate and saving countless lives.
Still, the cleanup and recovery processes are expected to take weeks, if not months — especially in the areas that were also hit by Hurricane Helene just 13 days before Milton barreled in.
1 dead, 12 rescued after elevator malfunction at Colorado gold mine
In Colorado, 12 people are now safe after getting trapped at the bottom of a gold mine for six hours Thursday, Oct. 10. One person died after the elevator at the Mollie Kathleen Mine, a popular tourist attraction, experienced a mechanical problem 500 feet below the earth’s surface.
The 12 adults had access to water and were able to communicate with authorities via radio while trapped. As that group was stuck, rescuers were able to get to 11 other people who were riding the elevator and get them to safety.
The local sheriff said it is not yet known what caused the malfunction. An investigation is underway.
The incident happened during the final week of Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine‘s tourist season before it shuts down for the winter.
Chemical leak at Houston oil refinery kills 2, injures dozens more
Two people are dead and 35 more are injured after a chemical leak involving hydrogen sulfide, a potentially toxic gas, at an oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas — near Houston. Officials said a group was working on a flange Thursday when some kind of accident happened, and gas started leaking.
Emergency officials urged residents in the area to shelter in place after the incident, but this morning, that’s since been lifted after air monitoring showed no signs hazardous chemicals had gotten into the air.
Trump talks economic plan in Detroit; Obama rallies for Harris in PA
With just 25 days until Americans head to the polls, voters in two battleground states heard from two former presidents on Thursday. Republican nominee former President Donald Trump spoke to supporters in Detroit, Michigan while former President Barack Obama – stumped for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
While delivering his economic address to the Detroit Economic Club, Trump spoke about his goal to revive the auto industry and bring a “rebirth” to Detroit. He then turned to international companies and his plan for them to open facilities in America.
“So, here is the deal that I will be offering to the world to companies outside of our world — big companies, powerful companies that have become powerful because we were stupid, we were stupid, we allowed them to come and raid and rape our country,” Trump said. “That’s what they did. ‘Oh, he used the word rape.’ That’s right, I used the word. They raped our country. The United States will give you the lowest taxes, the lowest energy cost, we have more liquid gold under our feet than any other country in the world and it’s the best…But only if you make your products here in America. In other words, you get all of these assets, but you have to make your product here in America and you have to hire American workers.”
“Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been,” Obama said. “That’s who Kamala is.”
He added, “I’m sorry gentlemen; I’ve noticed this especially with some men who seem to think Trump’s behavior of bullying and of putting people down is a sign of strength. I am here to tell you, that is not what real strength is. Real strength is about working hard and carrying a heavy load without complaining and telling the truth even when it’s inconvenient. Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves. That is what we should want for our daughters and for our sons and that is what I want to see in a president for the United States of America.”
Hezbollah official escapes during deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Lebanese authorities say Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Beirut killed 22 people and injured 117 others. Sources told Reuters a senior Hezbollah official, targeted by Israeli forces during the Thursday night strikes, was able to survive.
Israel has not commented on the attack.
The United Nations said its personnel is facing increasing danger in Lebanon as two U.N. peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower at its main headquarters in the southern portion of the country. Israel issued a statement on that incident, saying its military operated “next to” the U.N.’s base and had instructed U.N. officials to remain in protected spaces before its troops opened fire.
Hezbollah operates from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near @UNIFIL_ posts.
The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL.
IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base.…
The peacekeepers were said to be in good condition after being treated for their injuries.
Sports leagues come together to combat hate in America
In a sign of true sportsmanship, eight American sports leagues have come together to back a new campaign targeting hate in the U.S. It is an idea from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his foundation to combat antisemitism.
The initiative brought together the heads of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHK, NASCAR and others to come up with plans to curb hate of any kind in the country. The sports leaders are spending $50 million to get the word out.
The campaign, titled “Timeout Against Hate,” launched during Thursday night football on Oct. 10, with a commercial featuring legendary figures and current-day athletes from all sports speaking out against hate.
NASCAR unveils new electric race car prototype amid its net-zero commitment
When NASCAR fans attend a race, they are accustomed to the thunderous roar of combustion engines. However, future events might feature a quieter sound on the track. NASCAR introduced its new electric vehicle (EV) race car prototype on Saturday, July 6, at the Chicago Street Race.
This $1.5 million vehicle is the result of a partnership between NASCAR and technology company ABB. Ralph Donati, the executive vice president at ABB, said the objective of this collaboration with NASCAR is to “push the boundaries of electrification technology.”
Professional driver David Ragan tested the car and it was only about two-tenths of a second slower than a typical race car. The EV car is slightly slower despite having nearly double the acceleration power of an average race car. The primary challenge lies in the weight of the heavy EV batteries, which Ragan said he particularly noticed during turns on the track.
However, speed is not the only consideration for NASCAR here. The organization pledged to achieve net-zero operating emissions over the next decade, a goal it aims to reach through its partnership with ABB.
“ABB is an industry leader and will help in efforts to decarbonize our operations as we pursue achieving net-zero operating emissions over the next decade,” Eric Nyquist, NASCAR’s senior vice president and chief impact officer, said.
Although NASCAR has no immediate plans to phase out combustion engine vehicles from the sport, it could explore the possibility of adding an all-electric race to its lineup. Without the traditional roar of engine noise, NASCAR’s senior vice president suggested alternative options, such as introducing a DJ to provide a soundtrack for the event.
Private equity firm bets on natural grass after artificial turf issues
On his first home game on artificial turf, Aaron Rodgers lasted just four snaps before his Achilles snapped at MetLife Stadium. His season-ending injury reignited a fierce debate about the safety of artificial turf.
Now a sports-focused private equity firm is betting big on natural grass. Bruin Capital, founded by former NASCAR COO George Pyne, is reportedly buying Dutch turf management company PlayGreen for more than $100 million, according to reports by DealBook and Sports Business Journal. PlayGreen owns Stadium Grow Lighting (SGL), a major player in turf care.
Interest in SGL grew after Aaron Rodgers’ injury. Rodgers himself is very familiar with the turf company’s product. He played on a surface it grew for most of his career.
The Green Bay Packers was the first North American team to experiment with the Netherlands light system starting in the 2010 season. Lambeau Field, aka the “Frozen Tundra,” was a prime place to pilot. With less sunlight and unforgiving weather, growing natural grass was a challenge. The lights changed that, Packers fields manager Allen Johnson told AthleticTurf.net in 2014.
“Without them, honestly, I wasn’t growing anything really well beyond the middle of October,” Johnson said. “And now, with some decently mild temperatures, I could probably go til the first week of December.”
From Wisconsin to Saudi Arabia, SGL told DealBook, “We’ve proved we can grow grass under any circumstances.”
SGL has deep roots in the market, with contracts for 90% of stadiums that use grow-light technology. Overall, the company said it works with roughly 20% of professional sports stadiums worldwide. Soccer is its main market but the technology is everywhere from Augusta National Golf Club to Fenway Park.
Bruin Capital’s bet on green came as more teams weigh ditching artificial turf for natural or hybrid options. But it is also on the grounds that PlayGreen is more than a turf company, it is also a tech company. On top of LED grow lights, SGL uses data to predict and treat fungus growth. With all of its client data, SGL has sights on artificial intelligence to automate turf management in the future.
Widow of Alexei Navalny vows to continue his fight against Putin: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 20, 2024
The widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny speaks out against Vladimir Putin following the death of her husband. And Capital One says it’s planning to acquire Discover for $35 billion. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024.
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Widow of Alexei Navalny vows to continue his fight against Putin
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has vowed to continue her husband’s mission against Vladimir Putin three days after it was announced her husband had died suddenly inside an arctic prison at the age of 47. While Russian authorities claimed Alexei felt unwell before losing consciousness, in a video message posted to YouTube on Monday, Feb. 19, Navalnaya accused the Kremlin of poisoning her husband and holding on to his body to cover up the murder.
Navalnaya, who lives in exile outside Russia, said her husband loved their country more than anything in the world, and that’s why he returned to Russia following a poisoning attempt in 2020.
“I will continue Alexei Navalny’s work, continue to fight for our country,” Navalnaya said. “I urge you to stand next to me. To share not only my grief and endless pain which has enveloped us to not let us go, I ask you to share the rage with me, rage, anger, hatred towards those who dare to kill our future. I address with you Alexei’s own words, which he believed very much: It is not shameful to do little; it is shameful to do nothing.”
Getty Images
Since Friday, Feb. 16, reportedly 400 people have been detained in Russia for mourning the death of Alexei Navalny. On Monday, Feb. 19, President Joe Biden said the U.S. is considering additional sanctions against Russia. Biden also blames Putin for Alexei Navalny’s death.
US proposes ‘temporary cease-fire’ in draft UN resolution
The United States has proposed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution calling for a temporary cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and opposing a major ground offensive in the town of Rafah by Israeli forces. According to the text of the draft, seen by multiple news outlets, the U.S. seeks a temporary cease-fire, the release of all hostages being held by Hamas, and the lifting of barriers for humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
The U.S. added Israel’s planned ground offensive in Rafah would harm civilians who have been displaced during the fighting. The U.S. draft comes as the council is set to vote on Tuesday, Feb. 20, on a draft proposal by Algeria demanding an immediate cease-fire. The U.S. has vowed to veto that proposal, saying it could jeopardize ongoing talks for a pause in war.
Widow of former Haiti president charged in his killing
The widow of the former president of Haiti has been charged in connection with his murder. Jovenel Moïse was shot dead in July of 2021 when armed suspects broke into his bedroom – killing him and injuring his wife, Martine Moïse. But now a judge says Martine was an accomplice in the killing. She is among 51 people to be indicted.
According to the indictment, Martine conspired with the former prime minister to kill her husband. A lawyer for Martine told the New York Times before the charges were announced that “she was a victim” and remains in hiding.
Some argue the charges result from politics, accusing the current prime minister of going after his critics. A separate U.S. investigation into the murder continues in Miami, where eleven men have been charged.
Capital One to acquire Discover in a $35 billion deal
In a significant move that will likely reshape the landscape of the U.S. banking and credit card industries, Capital One Financial has announced plans to acquire Discover Financial for $35.3 billion. This deal will merge two of the nation’s premier lenders and credit card issuers, creating the sixth-largest bank in the United States.
“Our acquisition of Discover is a singular opportunity to bring together two very successful companies with complementary capabilities and franchises, and to build a payments network that can compete with the largest payments networks and payments companies,” said Richard Fairbank, founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Capital One.
WATCH: In a deal, seeking to form the sixth-largest US bank by assets and a US credit card behemoth, Warren Buffett-backed consumer bank Capital One plans to acquire credit card issuer Discover Financial Services for $35.3 billion https://t.co/HFTf7Ezgdopic.twitter.com/wNNrYXq6HL
Under the terms of the current agreement, Discover shareholders will receive 1.0192 Capital One shares for each Discover share, representing a premium of 26.6% based on Discover’s closing price of $110.49 on Feb 16. At close, Capital One shareholders will own approximately 60% and Discover shareholders will own approximately 40% of the combined company.
Michael Rhodes, CEO and president of Discover, said the agreement “underscores the strength of our business and is a testament to the hard work of Discover employees. We look forward to a bright future as part of the Capital One family and to providing expanded opportunities for our loyal customers.”
Report: Abraham Lincoln pardoned President Biden’s great-great-grandfather
In a story that has waited 160 years to be told, a new report details a link between President Joe Biden and former President Abraham Lincoln. According to a Washington Post report, Lincoln pardoned a Union Army civilian employee by the name of Moses J. Robinette, President Biden’s great-great-grandfather. Monday’s, Feb. 19 post report by historian David J. Gerleman cites the National Archives detailing a Mar. 21, 1864 fight between Robinette and another Union Army civilian employee.
Robinette, who was hired as a veterinary surgeon and assigned to the Potomac’s Reserve Artillery, was charged with attempted murder and court-martialed following the fight at the camp, according to the report. After being convicted and sentenced to two years of hard labor, three army officers petitioned Lincoln to overturn Robinette’s conviction, saying that Robinette was acting in self-defense against a much superior and stronger adversary.
Lincoln pardoned Biden’s great-great-grandfather on Sept. 1, 1864. President Biden’s full name is Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., reportedly getting his middle name as a nod to his great-great-grandfather
This was the race team’s ninth Daytona 500 victory and Byron’s 11th Career Cup series win. The 26-year-old Charlotte native called the “Great American Race” win “awesome.”
Daytona 500 rescheduled for historic Monday doubleheader after rain delay
Heavy rain in Florida has led to the postponement of NASCAR‘s 66th annual Daytona 500, originally scheduled for Sunday, Feb 18. This marks the first full-day postponement of the event since 2012, shifting gears from its original plans and setting the stage for a historic Monday at Daytona International Speedway.
For the first time, fans will experience a groundbreaking doubleheader, featuring the Daytona 500 and the rain-delayed Xfinity Series race, both taking place on the same day. This unprecedented scheduling offers race enthusiasts a full day of high-speed action, a treat for those attending and watching from home.
Despite the delay, NASCAR and Daytona still hosted several prerace activities, featuring appearances by singer and Trackhouse Racing co-owner Pitbull, as well as actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Former Daytona 500 champion Joey Logano clinched the pole position in Wednesday’s Cup Series qualifying, with 2021 race winner Michael McDowell joining him on the front row, both driving Fords.
Associated Press
Rain has impacted the Daytona 500 in the past, shortening races in 1965, 1966, 2003, and 2009. The 2012 race was postponed to Monday night due to rain, finishing after midnight on Tuesday.
Similarly, in 2020, the race started on Sunday but was delayed by rain shortly after the start, concluding on Monday evening. The 2021 race also ran into early Monday. Notably, the 2012 and 2020 races were significantly affected by rain, with the entire 2012 event and the remainder of the 2020 race moved to Monday.
The Weather Channel predicts light rain in Daytona Beach Monday morning but expects conditions to clear by early afternoon, promising a smoother start to the day’s events.
Russia takes control of stronghold town of Avdiivka as war in Ukraine nears 2-year mark: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 19, 2024
Almost two years into its invasion of Ukraine, Russia takes control of a key stronghold. And the latest on what we know about the fatal shooting of two police officers and a paramedic in Minnesota. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Feb. 19, 2024.
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Ukraine forces withdraw from Avdiivka as 2nd anniversary of war approaches
As the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, Ukrainian forces withdrew from the key stronghold of Avdiivka, giving Russia its biggest victory in the war in almost a year. Ukraine said it had withdrawn its troops because they were outnumbered after months of intense combat.
UN court opens hearings into Israel’s occupation of Palestinian-claimed land
Historic hearings concerning Israel opened this morning at the United Nations’ top court in The Hague. But while the country’s ongoing war with Hamas is expected to be mentioned, it is not the focus of this case, unlike last month’s ruling by the court that said Israel must take action to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.
More than a year before the war began, the U.N. General Assembly requested the court rule on Israel’s 57-year occupation of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. These are areas sought by Palestinians for an independent state. The court is set to hear from about 50 nations, including the United States, Britain, China, and Russia. The session is scheduled to last six days, and then the court will issue an advisory opinion, though it is not legally binding on Israel.
2 officers, EMT killed responding to domestic violence call in Minnesota
“We are all hurting, our officers, our fire department, our families, all of our staff, our community,” Schwartz said. “We’re heartbroken. Today (Feb. 18, 2024), three members of our team made the ultimate sacrifice for this community. They are heroes.”
Police said officers responded to a domestic violence call of a “family in danger” in the early morning hours – where an armed suspect was barricaded inside a home with family members, including seven children under the age of 15. Authorities said while officers negotiated with the suspect for hours, at one point, the gunman opened fire, killing the two responding officers and EMT.
There was then an exchange of gunfire between police and the suspect – who was pronounced dead a short time later. All family members made it safely out of the home. Police are asking for patience as the investigation is in its early stages.
Houston megachurch holds services a week after deadly shooting
“It’s something that we never dreamed we’d have to deal with. This is our home. Somebody to come in and you kind of feel violated. But again, I’ll go back to God’s on the throne,” Osteen said. “And yeah, I can’t tell you all the details, but I can tell you this — there are so many things you can just see the hand of God.”
“You know, you never question God’s will,” Whitmore said. “But certainly, after the tragedy of last week, he had a purpose in bringing us together to show how united our city is.”
On Sunday, Feb. 11, a shooter, identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, walked into the church with her 7-year-old son and started shooting. Moreno was killed during an exchange of gunfire with off-duty police officers working security at the church. Moreno’s 7-year-old son was struck in the head during the exchange and remains in critical condition.
During this Sunday’s Feb. 18 services, Osteen and his congregation prayed for the boy’s recovery. According to a church spokesman, typically 40 to 50 officers work security at the church weekly; he did not know whether that number was higher this Sunday, Feb. 18.
Daytona 500 shifts to historic Monday doubleheader after rain delay
Heavy rain in Florida has led to the postponement of NASCAR’s 66th annual Daytona 500, originally scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 18. This marks the first full-day postponement of the event since 2012, shifting gears from its original plans and setting the stage for a historic Monday, Feb. 19, at Daytona International Speedway.
For the first time, fans will experience a groundbreaking doubleheader, featuring the Daytona 500 and the rain-delayed Xfinity Series race, both taking place on the same day. This unprecedented scheduling offers race enthusiasts a full day of high-speed action. The Weather Channel predicts light rain in Daytona Beach Monday morning, Feb. 19, but expects conditions to clear by early afternoon, promising a smoother start to the day’s events.
‘Oppenheimer’ wins 7 awards at 2024 BAFTA
With less than a month to go before the Oscars, we got a preview of how things might play out at last night’s Feb. 18 British Academy Film Awards. The big winner at the 2024 BAFTAs was Christopher Nolan’s atomic bomb epic “Oppenheimer,” taking home seven awards, including Best Film and Director.
Cillian Murphy won Best Leading Actor, and Robert Downey Jr. won Best Supporting Actor. Now, all eyes will be watching to see if Oppenheimer can have another successful night at the Oscars on March 10.
House Republicans fail to impeach Mayorkas, pass Israel funding bill: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 7, 2024
House Republicans fail to impeach the Homeland Security secretary and pass an Israel aid bill. And voters in Nevada send a message as a winner of the state’s GOP primary is declared. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.
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House GOP fails to impeach Mayorkas, pass Israel funding bill
It was a busy night on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Feb. 6, and a rough one for House Republicans as two of their efforts failed to pass a full House vote, impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and a standalone Israel aid bill.
Democrats hope a bipartisan package in the Senate, including funding for Israel, Ukraine, and border security, will gain traction. However, its outlook is bleak, with Republicans challenging it in both chambers.
House Republicans also failed in their effort to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas over his handling of the border crisis, with four Republicans voting no, siding with Democrats that Mayorkas’ conduct does not constitute an impeachable offense.
A spokesperson for the DHS called the impeachment “baseless” and said it “should have never moved forward.” Despite the loss, GOP leaders say they plan to bring up the impeachment vote again soon.
Nikki Haley loses to ‘none of these candidates’ in Nevada primary
Former President Donald Trump did not compete in the primary, opting to participate in Thursday’s, Feb. 8, caucuses, which will award Nevada’s delegates to the winner. Haley becomes the first candidate for either the GOP or Democratic party to lose to the “none of these candidates” option since it was introduced in Nevada in 1975. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden easily won the state’s Democratic primary.
Mother of school shooter found guilty of involuntary manslaughter
Crumbley was convicted on four counts, one for each of the students who were killed during the mass shooting at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021. Her son, Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 years old at the time, was sentenced to life in prison last year after pleading guilty to 24 charges, including first-degree murder.
The Associated Press reporting that prosecutors are asking for consecutive sentences on the four counts which means Crumbley is facing up to 60 years in prison. Crumbley’s sentencing is scheduled for April.
NTSB: Alaska Airlines flight was missing bolts before panel flew off
The panel that flew off an Alaska Airlines plane midflight in January 2024 was missing four bolts needed to keep it in place, according to a new report by the NTSB. Investigators said the panel, known as a door plug, likely left a Boeing factory without the bolts in place. The incident resulted in the FAA grounding all Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes.
A Boeing spokesperson said the company will review the findings and continue to work with investigators. The report came out on the same day the FAA’s top official, Michael Whitaker, testified before House lawmakers. He said the current inspection system is not working and the FAA will take appropriate actions to keep flying safe for all passengers.
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to interview Putin
The New York Times reported that the Kremlin has yet to confirm the interview is happening. Still, Russian state-run media has reported every move of Carlson’s trip to Moscow, only increasing anticipation of the potential interview. Carlson said that the interview will be aired unedited on his website and on “X.” Carlsom added that he also requested to interview Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
ESPN, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery to launch sports streaming service
Most sports are a team effort; now, that same group mentality goes for streaming sports as three of the biggest broadcasters are banding together to form a new streaming service. Disney’s ESPN, the Fox Corporation, and Warner Bros. Discovery announced they will launch a new service in the fall to showcase their sports assets.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this report stated that the Oxford High School shooting occurred on Nov. 30, 2022 The shooting occurred on Nov. 30, 2021 and SAN has updated this report. SAN regrets the error.
