UK to release thousands of prisoners following surge of protest arrests
The U.K. is rolling out a major emergency plan called “Operation Early Dawn” to tackle severe overcrowding in its prisons. This decision comes after a surge in arrests related to recent anti-immigration protests.
Starting in August, the U.K. government will release around 5,500 offenders early to make space in its overcrowded jails. For now, recent offenders in northern England and parts of the Midlands will be taken to court only if a prison cell is available for them. Until then, they’ll remain in holding cells.
This will likely cause delays in court proceedings, but police assure the public that it will not affect their ability to make arrests or ensure public safety as protests continue.
The prisons and probation minister acknowledged the system’s struggles and said early release is necessary to manage the current pressures.
Recent data shows more than 1,000 arrests and nearly 700 charges linked to riots that followed a tragic stabbing incident in Southport in July.
The government is also cracking down on misinformation and hate speech online since the incident. Wayne O’Rourke has been sentenced to three years in prison for spreading what officials called “racial hate” online.
In the meantime, ahead of prisoners’ early release next month, the U.K. government said it is working hard to make more room in prisons and address both physical and online threats. The government said it’s aiming to restore order amid what has been the worst unrest seen in the U.K. for more than a decade.
Gershkovich, Whelan return to US in 24-person prisoner swap with Russia
It was an emotional reunion as Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan returned home after the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and the U.S. since the Cold War. And former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, visits the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, August 2, 2024.
Gershkovich, Whelan return to US in 24-person prisoner swap with Russia
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and several other Americans who were wrongfully being detained by Russia are back on American soil. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris joined loved ones in greeting them off the plane at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland late Thursday night, Aug. 1.
It was an emotional reunion as these high-profile American prisoners returned home as part of a major prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia. President Biden said negotiations had been going on for months and involved seven countries and two dozen prisoners.
This handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images’ editorial policy. In this handout photo provided by the U.S. government, Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich, Radio Free Europe journalist Alsu Kurmasheva and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan pose with an American flag in the airport lounge on Aug. 1, 2024 in Ankara, Turkey. Gershkovich, Kurmasheva, Whelan and others were involved in a multinational prisoner swap with Russia. Source: Getty Images
Paul Whelan served five years in captivity and Evan Gershkovich had been detained for 491 days. In exchange for their freedom, Russia is getting back eight of its own, including two spies being released by Slovenia and a convicted murderer held in Germany.
Some foreign policy experts say prisoner swaps could give U.S. adversaries incentive to take more Americans on false pretenses and treat them as bargaining chips. The president responded to reporters questions, saying, “My job is to make sure, number one, they don’t get them and if they do, we get them back.”
After the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets in protest, which turned deadly. At least 11 people have reportedly been killed. Hundreds of protesters have also been arrested since then in what has become a volatile week in the nation — with still many questions left unanswered about the future of Venezuela’s ruling party.
JD Vance tours southern border in Arizona
Former President Donald Trump’s running mate Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, toured the border in Arizona on Thursday, Aug. 1, and met with border patrol, who say southern Arizona is at the “epicenter of smuggling fentanyl.” While there, Vance laid out what would be some of the border security measures the Trump administration would put in place immediately should Trump win the 2024 election.
Those measures include reimplementing deportations and other Trump-era immigration polices such as “Remain in Mexico” and continuing construction on the border wall.
Vance now heads to Atlanta where he and Trump will share the stage at a rally on Saturday, Aug. 3.
As for likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, she has started to secure delegates to officially become the Party’s nominee.
Her campaign has a busy week ahead, expecting to secure her spot at the top of the Democratic ticket as early as Monday, Aug. 5. Soon after, she’s expected to announce who her running mate will be before holding a joint rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Intel cutting 15% of workforce
Chip maker Intel is cutting 15% of its workforce, which is at least 15,000 jobs, in an effort to compete with its more successful rivals. In a memo to staff Thursday, Aug. 1, Intel’s CEO said the company plans to save $10 billion in 2025 alone.
Intel is also suspending its stock dividend as part of its cost-cutting plan.
The company reported a loss of $1.6 billion from April through June of 2024 (Q2), and it forecast third-quarter (Q3) revenues will be well below expectations. That news sent company shares tumbling, setting the chipmaker up to lose more than $24 billion in market value.
Judge overturns $4.7B NFL Sunday Ticket verdict
A federal judge has overturned a nearly $5 billion verdict in an NFL “Sunday Ticket” case. The class-action lawsuit was brought by subscribers who alleged the NFL violated anti-trust laws by overcharging to watch out-of-market games on its paid subscription service.
Upon appeal, a U.S. district judge ruled two witnesses’ testimonies should have been left out and said the jury’s verdict was “clearly not supported by evidence and must be vacated.”
Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky win more medals to make Olympics history
Team USA picked up more Olympic gold Thursday, Aug. 1, bringing its total to nine so far at the Paris games. Thursday marked historic wins in fencing and rowing, as well as swimmer Kate Douglass earning her first gold medal.
Even more history was made by two of the biggest stars on Team USA: Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky.
Biles won her sixth gold medal — and ninth medal overall — in the individual all-around competition for a second time, reclaiming her 2016 title. Biles, who is already the most decorated American gymnast in Olympics history, is the first American to win the event more than once and the first gymnast to win it non-consecutively.
Biles wasn’t alone in representing the U.S on the medal stand. Her teammate Suni Lee took home the bronze.
U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky’s team earned the silver in the 4×200 meter freestyle, giving Ledecky her 13th medal. That’s the most by any female U.S. Olympian in the history of the games.
And they’re not done yet. Both Biles and Ledecky still have chances to add more medals to their historic totals in the days ahead.
US, Russia secure largest prisoner swap deal since fall of Soviet Union
The United States announced a prisoner swap with Moscow on Thursday, Aug. 1, that freed Wall Street Journalist Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and more than a dozen others from prison in Russia. Their release is part of the largest prisoner exchange involving the United States and Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. The deal included at least 24 people.
“This deal would not have been possible without our allies: Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Turkey,” President Joe Biden said. “They all stepped up and they stood with us. They stood with us, and made bold and brave decisions, released prisoners being held in their countries, who were justifiably held and provided logistical support to get Americans home.”
The United States and its allies gave Russia a cyber hacker in the United States, alleged “sleeper agents,” who lived double lives in Slovenia and one person who was charged for the shooting death of a man in a Berlin park.
Earlier in July, a judge sentenced Gershkovich to 16 years in a high security penal colony after Russian authorities charged him with “gathering secret information.”
The U.S. State Department maintains that both men were innocent and wrongfully detained.
“Their brutal ordeal is over, and they are free,” Biden said. “Moments ago, the families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office. They’re out of Russia earlier today. They were flown to Turkey and soon they’ll be wheels up on their way home to see their families.”
The multinational deal also secured the release of former regional office coordinators for the late Alexei Navalny.
Negotiations between the United States, its allies and Russia reportedly began in 2022 following the release of WNBA star Briteny Griner.
Alleged 9/11 mastermind agrees to plea deal to avoid death penalty
The alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attack and two accomplices reached a plea deal with prosecutors. And former President Donald Trump sparks controversy with comments made about Vice President Kamala Harris at a conference of Black journalists. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.
Alleged 9/11 mastermind agrees to plea deal in exchange for life in prison
The alleged mastermind terrorist behind plotting the 9/11 attacks against the U.S. has pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty. The Department of Defense said Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his two accomplices accused of planning the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil have agreed to plead guilty in exchange for life in prison.
The pre-trial agreement allows them all to escape being sentenced to death, something that is upsetting some families of 9/11 victims. Prosecutors first notified impacted families of the plea deal reached before it went public.
BREAKING: Pentagon announces that Guantanamo that three of the five 9/11 defendants, including mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, have reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Harris is running unopposed and has already been endorsed by most of the Democratic delegates. She also picked up the endorsement of the United Auto Workers on Wednesday, July 31, giving her the support of one of the country’s largest unions.
I am honored to receive the endorsement of the United Auto Workers. From walking picket lines to taking on big banks, I have spent my entire career fighting for unions and working families—and, as President, I will continue to deliver for organized labor. https://t.co/CQc4K0YOBW
Voting on the virtual roll call ends on Monday, Aug. 5. It’s the same day Harris is expected to announce her running mate. They will then start a series of side-by-side campaigning in battleground states, with their first official event together scheduled in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
On Thursday, Trump’s vice presidential pick Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, will be touring the southern border, and Harris will speak at the funeral of Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
Trump sparks controversy after questioning Kamala Harris’ racial identity
Former President Donald Trump attended a conference for Black journalists in Chicago on Wednesday, July 31, that’s creating the most buzz on the campaign trail Thursday, Aug. 1 morning. Trump made controversial remarks after being asked if he agrees with Republicans on Capitol Hill who have said the vice president was a “DEI hire.”
“Do you believe that Vice President Kamala Harris is only on the ticket because she is a Black woman?” ABC News’ Rachel Scott asked him.
“Well, I can say no,” Trump said. “I think it’s maybe a little bit different. So, I’ve known her a long time indirectly, not directly very much, and she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?”
“She has always identified as a Black woman,” Scott interjected. “She went to a historically Black college.”
“You know what, I respect either one,” Trump said “I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t. Because she was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden, she made a turn and she went, she became a Black person.”
“We all here remember what those four years were like,” Harris said. “And today we were given yet another reminder. This afternoon, Donald Trump spoke at the annual meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, and it was the same old show, the divisiveness and the disrespect. And let me just say, the American people deserve better. The American people deserve better. The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth, a leader who does not respond with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us. They are an essential source of our strength.”
During her daily press conference, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to Trump’s comment, saying “it’s insulting.”
The former president defended his comments on his Truth Social platform, saying the questions he was being asked were “rude and nasty” and “often in the form of a statement” rather than question.
The questions were Rude and Nasty, often in the form of a statement, but we CRUSHED IT!@realDonaldTrump Donald Trump Truth Social 03:31 PM EST 07/31/24 pic.twitter.com/wetj11CoG0
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 31, 2024
Some Black Republican lawmakers have also jumped in to defend him — like Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt. Hunt posted a statement on his own Truth Social account reading in part, “He stood strong in the face of vicious attacks and gotcha questions, because that’s what leaders do.”
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., also commented on the former president’s remarks in a post on X.
“Fostering tough conversations and debate is how we make America great again for all Americans,” Donalds said. “Unlike Kamala Harris, President Trump is not afraid of going into any venue, any time, anywhere.”
Unlike Kamala Harris, President Trump is not afraid of going into any venue, any time, anywhere.
Today at the NABJ Convention, President Trump took the incoming fire from hostile reporters, held firm, and articulated his plan to Make America Great Again for ALL AMERICANS. pic.twitter.com/KNEw5yaLmi
Harris is the daughter of a Jamaican father and Indian mother. She attended the historically Black Howard University and is a member of the nation’s oldest Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Meanwhile, a debate between the two remains up in the air. Trump has voiced wanting a venue change and said he “probably will” debate Harris, but could also “make a case for not.”
Report: Iran’s supreme leader issues order for Iran to strike Israel
Tensions are rising in the Middle East following the assassination of a senior Hamas leader in Iran. Hamas claims an Israeli missile hit the house of political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
The New York Times reported that with the hit happening on Iranian soil, the country’s supreme leader has reportedly issued an order for Iran to strike Israel directly, citing three Iranian officials briefed on the order.
Haniyeh was the Hamas negotiator for a possible hostage deal with Israel. Many fear that deal is now dead.
The strike on Haniyeh came just hours after an Israeli airstrike killed a top Hezbollah commander in Lebanon.
Breaking this morning: The Israeli military announced it had killed top Hamas military leader Muhammad Deif during a strike in Gaza earlier in July. Deif is believed to have been one of the masterminds behind the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel.
‘Weapons and Warfare’ goes inside Lockheed Martin’s F-35 assembly facility
In 2001, the Department of Defense awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to develop the F-35 fighter jet to replace aging aircraft. The jet is manufactured in three different variants: one for the Marine Corps, one for the Air Force and one for the Navy.
In a special edition of “Weapons and Warfare,” Straight Arrow News’ Ryan Robertson recently got to take a tour inside the Fort Worth, Texas facility that makes these fighter jets.
You can find this special edition of “Weapons and Warfare” right here.
Katie Ledecky ties record for most gold medals by female swimmer
Team USA now has won five Olympic gold medals in Paris, adding one more to its count after Wednesday’s events — and it was a historic one. Swimmer Katie Ledecky won the women’s 1,500 meter freestyle. She finished more than 10 seconds ahead of her competition to win her eighth Olympic gold medal.
With the victory, Ledecky tied the record for most gold medals by a female swimmer. It was also her 12th Olympic medal of any kind, which tied yet another record.
Ledecky is not done yet. She has a chance to break those records. She’ll be competing in the 4×200 meter relay Thursday, Aug. 1, and the 800 meter freestyle later this week.
Steve Bannon begins 4-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress
Steve Bannon remained defiant as he turned himself in to serve four months in a federal prison Monday, July 1. The longtime Trump ally was convicted of contempt for defying a congressional subpoena from the committee that probed the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack.
“I’m proud to go to prison,” Bannon said in a press conference before turning himself over to authorities. “I am proud of going to prison today.”
“If this is what it takes to stand up to tyranny, if that’s what it takes to stand up to the [Attorney General Merrick] Garland corrupt criminal DOJ, if this is what it takes to stand up to Nancy Pelosi, if this is what it takes to stand up to Joe Biden, I’m proud to do it,” Bannon said.
“I was on a destroyer for four years in the Navy,” Bannon continued.” I am prepared for whatever prison has, right? Our prisons are run very well. The Bureau of Prisons does a great job. I’m prepared to do this, whatever task I do, I’m totally prepared mentally, physically, everything, for prison.”
In an interview on Monday, July 1, former President Trump blamed President Biden for what he claims is a “weaponization” of the justice system. Trump said Biden is “going to pay a big price” for it. Trump’s campaign told ABC News that Trump’s statement meant Biden will lose the election come November.
In 2022, Bannon was convicted of two misdemeanor counts of contempt of Congress after he refused to cooperate with a House committee investigating the Capitol riot. Bannon, a former chief strategist for Trump and a prominent figure in right-wing media, initially delayed his prison term through an appeal.
However, after the D.C. Circuit Court upheld his conviction, he was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Carl Nichols to begin his four-month sentence.
Kim Kardashian attends White House meeting on criminal justice reform
Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform at the White House on Thursday, April 25, attended by recently pardoned former inmates and reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian. During the meeting, Harris announced the finalization of changes to a Small Business Administration rule, which will remove most restrictions based on a person’s criminal record.
Kardashian — who became an activist for criminal reform during the Trump administration — discussed the impact of these reforms on prison reentry, particularly highlighting the changes related to small business loans for former inmates.
She emphasized the importance of sharing and amplifying the stories of those affected by stringent legal policies to inspire others in similar situations.
Testimony continues in Trump criminal trial as Supreme Court debates immunity
Developments in former President Donald Trump’s legal cases take us to a New York City courtroom and the U.S. Supreme Court, and USC cancels its main commencement ceremony following dozens of arrests during campus protests. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, April 26, 2024.
Testimony continues in Trump’s criminal trial as Supreme Court debates immunity
On Thursday, April 25, Pecker was further questioned about his interactions with Trump, revealing he agreed to purchase the rights to a story from Playboy model Karen McDougal about her alleged relationship with Trump. He testified that the decision was made after consulting with Trump’s attorney Michael Cohen to prevent embarrassment to Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign.
The defense described these “catch-and-kill” tactics as standard operating procedures in the tabloid industry, with Pecker also mentioning similar deals made with former Congressman Rahm Emanuel and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Pecker also discussed his role in coordinating a $130,000 payment that Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to prevent her story about her relationship with Trump from becoming public. Instead of the Enquirer purchasing her story, Pecker suggested Cohen buy it himself, which he did. This payment — and Trump’s reimbursement to Cohen — is the focus of the district attorney’s case.
Additionally, the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Trump should have absolute immunity in his federal election interference case.
USC cancels main stage graduation ceremony amid student protests
Despite the cancellation of the main event, USC will continue to host dozens of other events, including individual school commencement ceremonies.
The university earlier confirmed that its decision not to have its student valedictorian, a Muslim who has expressed pro-Palestinian views, not speak at commencement due to safety concerns. USC stated that this decision was not related to freedom of speech issues.
Biden joins 17 world leaders to call on Hamas to release hostages
President Joe Biden and leaders from 17 other nations called on Hamas to release hostages still held captive in Gaza on Thursday, April 26. In a joint statement, they emphasized international laws that protect hostages and the civilian population, and expressed strong support for mediation efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
Last year, we secured the release of Abigail, a 4-year-old who was being held by Hamas.
She’s remarkable and recovering from unspeakable trauma.
Our time together yesterday was a reminder of the work we have in front of us to secure the release of all remaining hostages. pic.twitter.com/M7bNHzZxfM
Also on Wednesday, April 24, Biden met with Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old dual citizen of Israel and America who was among the first group of hostages released during a November truce.
Currently, more than 130 hostages — including five Americans — are believed to still be in Hamas captivity.
José Andrés honors fallen aid workers at Washington National Cathedral
He expressed hope that World Central Kitchen will continue its global humanitarian efforts, honoring the spirit and dedication of the lost aid workers. The service highlighted the personal stories of the workers and their commitment to helping communities in crisis.
WCK is holding an interfaith Celebration of Life to honor our 7 heroes killed in Gaza. The service at the National Cathedral is by invitation only, but a public livestream will be available—if you would like to attend the service virtually, please join us at… pic.twitter.com/YOcwqEui6W
“In the worst moments, the best of humanity shows up. Saif, John, Jacob, Zomi, Jim, James and Damian, they were the best of humanity,” Andrés, speaking at the event, said. “Their examples should inspire us to do better, to be better.”
Police: Maryland teacher used AI to create fake recording of principal
Dazhon Darien, a physical education teacher and athletic director at Pikesville High School, was arrested Thursday, April 25, on charges including reckless endangerment and disrupting school activities.
Authorities allege Darien created a fake audio recording of the principal making racist and antisemitic remarks, following discussions about whether his contract would be renewed.
The audio quickly spread on social media, resulting in the principal being placed on paid administrative leave. Darien was arrested while attempting to board a flight at BWI Marshall Airport, though it was not specified whether he was trying to flee.
Kim Kardashian attends White House meeting on criminal justice reform
During the meeting, Harris announced the finalization of changes to a Small Business Administration rule, which will remove most restrictions based on a person’s criminal record. The Vice President thanked Kardashian for her advocacy and using her platform to promote second chances.
Kardashian, who became an activist for criminal reform during the Trump administration, discussed the impact of these reforms on prison reentry, particularly highlighting the changes related to small business loans for former inmates.
Russia claims Ukraine killed its own POWs after plane crash
Russia lost another military plane in a violent crash. This time it happened near Belgorod, a city close to the border with Ukraine. Moscow said the plane was carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war and was struck by Ukrainian missiles. Kyiv didn’t immediately confirm or deny the crash.
MFA statement on the destruction of a Russian Il-76 military transport
January 24, the Kiev regime committed terrorist act by downing a Russian Il-76 military transport plane near the village of Yablonovo in Belgorod Region.
Video of the incident showed up on Russian social media channels within minutes. The plane is seen falling from the sky in a rural area before a fireball erupts on the ground. Moscow said Ukraine shot the plane down with missiles launched near Kharkiv but offered no proof of that.
“We’ve seen the reports, but we’re not in any position to confirm them,” U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.
Video posted by Russian media claiming to be from the crash site shows wreckage in a snowy field, while emergency services personnel assess the situation. A separate video from the same source shows what appears to be the fuselage of an aircraft pitted with damage marks.
Moscow said 74 people were on the plane when it went down. Sixty-five Ukrainian prisoners of war, six crew members and three others.
A passenger manifest listing the alleged POWs on board contained names of soldiers who are already home since they were released in previous prisoner swaps. A senior U.S. official speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity said it isn’t clear whether there actually were any POWs on the plane.
Ukraine holds the capability to shoot down Russian military transports. In mid-January, Ukraine took down two command and control aircraft vital to Russia’s air defenses. One was destroyed, killing everyone on board including senior officers. The other plane was able to land but will likely never fly again. So, an unprotected transport plane probably doesn’t present much of a challenge for Ukraine’s air defenses.
⚡️Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the crash of a Russian Il-76 transport plane in Belgorod Oblast on Jan. 24 that was allegedly carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war.https://t.co/Scasi3po92
The General Staff of the Ukraine Armed Forces is being tight lipped on the matter so far. However, they did say a prisoner swap was scheduled but that Russia never communicated anyone was on the plane or asked for the airspace to be kept safe during a specific time, as has been the case in past swaps. Ukraine does make a habit of targeting transports it thinks may be carrying weapons or military equipment. Especially if those planes fly near the border.
However, it’s Russia that has a reputation of shooting down passenger planes.
Russia was behind the downing of MH-17 in eastern Ukraine back in 2014. It’s the going theory of many analysts that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the strike on friend-turned-rival Yevgeny Prigozhin’s plane last year. There are more instances of Russians downing commercial airliners during the Soviet era as well.
So, while people know a plane crashed, it isn’t clear who was on the plane, how many of them there were and whether they were carrying anything other than human cargo.
Since the crash happened in Russian territory, there’s no guarantee the world will ever know the true answers to those questions.
Biden in Israel day after deadly Gaza hospital blast: The Morning Rundown, Oct. 18, 2023
President Biden arrives in Israel a day after a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital leads to protests across the Middle East. And prosecutors plan to recharge actor Alec Baldwin in connection to a fatal shooting on a movie set – these stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.
Biden says hospital blast appears to not be from Israel
President Joe Biden arrived in Israel Wednesday, Oct. 18, a day after a deadly explosion at a hospital in Gaza reportedly killed hundreds and led to protests across the Middle East.
Who was responsible for the blast remains in dispute as Gaza authorities blame an Israeli airstrike, while Israel says the explosion was due to a misfired rocket launched by a Palestinian militant group.
Gaza officials say an estimated 500 people were killed in Tuesday’s, Oct. 17, blast as thousands of civilians were seeking shelter in the hospital at the time.
Get up to speed on the stories leading the day every weekday morning. Get The Morning RundownTM straight to your inbox!
The explosion resulted in protests in several nations across the Middle East. Countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq have issued statements condemning Israel for the blast.
Speaking with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden agreed it appeared that Israel was speaking the truth.
“I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion in Gaza yesterday. And based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,” Biden said.
Biden went on to say, “There’s a lot of people out there not sure.”
The president is in Israel to speak to the prime minister about the country’s response to the deadly attack by Hamas that saw 1,400 killed, including 31 Americans, around 4,000 injured, and 200 taken hostage.
He’s also seeking a path for humanitarian aid to reach the citizens of Gaza as Israel continues its retaliatory airstrikes and prepares for a ground operation. According to Gaza officials, more than 3,000 people have been killed and more than 12,500 injured since Israel began its military response.
While in Israel, the president is trying to prevent the war from spreading in the region. Earlier this week, Iran, who is known to back both Hamas and the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah, warned that “other multiple fronts will open” if Israel’s airstrikes continue to kill civilians.
In a post on social media Tuesday night, Oct. 17, Iran’s foreign minister said, “Time is over.”
Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire several times since the war with Hamas began.
A summit hosted by the country of Jordan with President Biden and Egyptian and Palestinian leaders was canceled in the wake of the hospital blast.
Jordan seeks more votes for speaker after losing first ballot
Despite a vote on the House floor Tuesday, Oct. 17, Congress is still without a speaker. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, the GOP’s nominee for speaker, failed to secure enough votes during the first ballot.
Jordan received 200 votes, short of the 217 needed to become the next speaker. He could only afford to lose three Republicans during Tuesday’s, Oct. 17, vote (one Republican congressman was absent), but 20 ended up choosing someone else.
All 212 Democrats voted for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
Jordan didn’t schedule another vote for Tuesday night, Oct. 17, telling reporters he’s got to continue talking to members.
“We got to have a speaker, and it can’t be some deal with the Democrats. The American people don’t want that. They elected Republicans in a majority — a small majority; I get it. But we got 200 votes in the first ballot,” Jordan said.
The next vote on the House floor is set for Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m.
Murder suspect among 4 escaped inmates on the run
A murder suspect is among four suspects to escape from a Georgia prison, and two days later, they remain on the loose.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office said the inmates got out Monday, Oct. 16, through a damaged window, then cut a fence before getting into a Dodge Challenger that was waiting for them.
In addition to the murder suspect, the other three fugitives were being imprisoned on various charges: one was accused of aggravated assault, another was arrested on firearm and drug trafficking charges, and the fourth was being held by the U.S. Marshalls for an undisclosed charge.
Thirty-eight schools were placed on soft lockdown, meaning outdoor activity was limited as police searched for the escapees.
It was last month when convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante made national headlines after escaping from a Pennsylvania prison. It took authorities nearly two weeks to capture him.
According to internal emails from the Pennsylvania prison obtained by various news organizations this week, some of the prison staff suspected Cavalcante was planning to escape weeks before he broke out.
Prosecutors plan to recharge Alec Baldwin in fatal ‘Rust’ shooting
Prosecutors in New Mexico are planning to recharge actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the fatal shooting on the set of the film “Rust” in 2021.
Baldwin’s case will be brought before a grand jury in November.
The “30 Rock” actor has said he is not responsible for the death of the film’s cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.
In a statement Tuesday, Oct. 17, prosecutors said after an “extensive investigation…additional facts have come to light that we believe show Mr. Baldwin has criminal culpability.”
Lawyers for Baldwin responded, calling this a “misguided prosecution,” and saying they will answer any charges in court.
Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
Online platforms form group to fight fake reviews
A group of popular online travel and shopping platforms have banded together to take on fake reviews. The Coalition for Trusted Reviews will work on best practices for hosting online reviews and sharing ways to identify fake ones.
The group, which includes Amazon, Booking.com, Expedia, Glassdoor, TripAdvisor, and Trustpilot, said it aims to protect access to “trustworthy consumer reviews” worldwide.
Tuesday’s, Oct. 17, launch of the coalition came just months after the Federal Trade Commission proposed a ban on businesses paying for reviews, suppressing honest reviews, and selling fake social media engagement.
According to a 2021 study by the World Economic Forum, fake reviews impact $152 billion in global spending each year.
The owner of X has launched a subscription service for his platform. As of now, it’s being tested in only two countries, the Philippines and New Zealand.
The subscription method, called “Not a Bot,” will charge new users a $1 per year fee in order to perform various actions on the web version of the platform including, posting and reposting content, liking posts, and replying to other users.
New X users in those countries who do not pay the fee will only be able to access “read-only” actions like reading posts, watching videos, and following accounts.
According to the company, this is being done to fight bots and reduce spam on the site.
“This won’t stop bots completely, but it will be 1000X harder to manipulate the platform,” Musk posted on X Tuesday, Oct.17.
US granting Venezuelan migrants temporary legal status: The Morning Rundown, Sept. 21, 2023
The Biden administration is granting temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants. And Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Washington D.C. as Congress debates more funding for Ukraine. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Sept. 21, 2023.
White House granting temporary legal status to nearly 500,000 Venezuelan migrants
The migrants will receive work permits and protections from deportation just as a surge of migrants at the southern border largely consists of thousands of Venezuelans entering the U.S. daily.
Under Biden’s new order, Venezuela will receive Temporary Protected Status, meaning an estimated 472,000 Venezuelans who arrived in the country as of July 31, 2023, will not be forced to leave and can legally work for at least the next 18 months.
These protections do not apply to Venezuelans who have reached the U.S. after the end of July.
Cities like New York have been asking the government to grant migrants legal status as they struggle to find space for tens of thousands of migrants, many from Venezuela.
At the U.S.-Mexico border, a railway company shut down operations Wednesday, Sept. 20, after migrants were hopping trains to expedite their trip into the U.S.
Senate confirms Joints Chiefs chairman after monthslong standoff
The Senate has confirmed General Charles Q. Brown, known as CQ Brown, of the Air Force to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A vote was held on Wednesday, Sept. 20, and the confirmation passed with an overwhelming 83 to 11 vote.
While the military promotion was a bipartisan agreement. there’s been a partisan standoff between one Republican senator and Democrats that has prevented the promotions of hundreds of military members.
Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama said he would withhold the promotions as long as the military upholds a policy to reimburse out-of-state travel for members seeking abortions.
Though Tuberville could expedite confirmations, the Senate still has the power to hold individual votes to promote military members. More votes are expected Thursday to confirm other high-ranking officers.
Zelenskyy in D.C. to meet with President Biden, Congress
Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy will meet with President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday, a day after speaking to the U.N. Security Council. He is also expected to meet with lawmakers at Congress and at the Pentagon.
This will be Zelenskyy’s third time visiting the White House as he looks to shore up more support for Ukraine from the U.S. as the war with Russia goes on. Since the war began, no other country has provided more funding to Ukraine than the U.S. – more than $112 billion.
Republicans in Congress are expected to question Zelenskyy on how the money is being used. Biden is currently asking Congress to approve another $24 billion aid package for Ukraine.
Manhunt underway after murder suspect ‘mistakenly released’
Authorities say a murder suspect in Indiana was “mistakenly released” from a detention center nearly one week ago and is still on the run. The Marion County Sheriff’s office says a “clerical error” is to blame.
Law enforcement said the decision to keep it under wraps for nearly a week was part of a “tactical advantage,” saying they wanted to capitalize on the “quietness of the situation.” Two jail record clerks have been fired after the error went unnoticed for several hours.
Authorities say Mason, 28, called his girlfriend for a ride and walked freely on Sept. 13, just two days after being booked into jail. The girlfriend has been arrested and is being questioned by police.
The US Marshals Service, which was involved in the recent manhunt for a convicted murderer who escaped a Pennsylvania prison, is now helping in the search for Mason.
White House to provide free at-home COVID tests again
As we head into the fall and winter seasons, the Biden administration is once again offering free at-home COVID-19 tests, up to four per household. The kits can be ordered on covidtest.gov starting Sept. 25.
Though the tests are free to receive, federal officials say it will cost $600 million to roll out another year of the program.
COVID-19 cases have gradually increased in recent weeks, although significantly less than prior fall seasons. COVID-related deaths remain near all-time lows, according to the latest CDC data.
Bob Ross painting selling for nearly $10 million
A Bob Ross painting from the very first episode of his long-running PBS show “The Joy of Painting” is going on sale for $9.85 million at a Minneapolis gallery. Ross painted the work, titled “A Walk in the Woods,” in under 30 minutes during the 1983 premiere of his show, which would go on to run for 31 seasons.
The work was originally auctioned off to raise money for the PBS station in Virginia where the show was filmed. A volunteer at the station bought the painting for an undisclosed price, but the Minneapolis art dealer believes she paid around $100.
