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.
Republicans subpoena DHS for info on Tim Walz’s ties to China
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Department of Homeland Security for information on Gov. Tim Walz’s, D-Minn., alleged connections to the Chinese Communist Party. Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said the committee received whistleblower disclosures regarding a non-classified Microsoft Teams chat group and intelligence reports that contain information regarding the vice presidential candidate’s ties to the Chinese government.
Walz’s relationship with China goes back 35 years. The Walz campaign told Minnesota Public Radio that the governor has been there approximately 15 times.
It began in May 1989, just one month after Tiananmen Square, when he spent a year teaching English through Harvard’s World Teach Program. Walz once recounted his arrival.
“I still remember the train station in Hong Kong,” Walz said during a 2014 congressional hearing. “It was a large number, especially European, I think, very angry that we would, we would still go after what had happened. But it was my belief at that time that the diplomacy was going to happen on many levels, certainly people to people. And the opportunity to be in a Chinese high school at that critical time seemed to me to be really important.”
Walz and his wife honeymooned in China. They also took hundreds of high school students on annual trips from 1993 until the early 2000s. They stopped organizing the trips once he became a member of Congress in 2006.
The Oversight Committee said this subpoena is part of its ongoing investigation into the CCP’s efforts to infiltrate and influence American political policy.
“If a state governor and major political party’s nominee for Vice President of the United States has been a witting or unwitting participant in the CCP’s efforts to weaken our nation, this would strongly suggest that there are alarming weaknesses in the federal government’s effort to defend the United States from the CCP’s political warfare that must be urgently addressed,” Comer said in a statement.
The committee is now demanding all communications from the Microsoft chat group and all Intelligence reports and notes related to Gov. Walz by Oct. 7.
The vice presidential debate is tonight. Here’s what to expect on viewership.
With exactly five weeks to go until election night on Nov. 5, the vice presidential candidates will square off in a debate hosted by CBS News. One of the interesting factors to monitor is how many people actually watch the debate between Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance.
Vice presidential debates typically do not draw the same big audiences of presidential debates.
In this case, political experts say both candidates are still introducing themselves to the voters and the nation. The debate offers them a chance to stand out and get recognized.
Looking back at past vice presidential debates and the Nielsen television ratings, the 2008 clash between Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Republican candidate Sarah Palin stands out. It drew an audience of about 42% of American households.
Four years later, that number fell to approximately 32% when Biden debated Republican Paul Ryan. More recently in 2020, the debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence drew an audience of 33.7%.
Nielsen measures the number of households using television, also called HUT levels. However, it does not sample the number of people streaming a debate online.
The vice presidential debate could break records, or the numbers could be lacking.
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.”
CBS News to air QR code fact-check feature during vice presidential debate
CBS News will host a highly anticipated vice-presidential debate on Tuesday, Oct. 1, featuring Ohio Sen. JD Vance, R, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, D. In a first for the network, the debate will include a new interactive element that allows viewers to access additional context for the candidates’ answers.
During the broadcast, CBS viewers will see a QR code on their screens for extended periods. When scanned with a smartphone, the code will direct users to the CBS News website, where a team of about 20 journalists will provide what the network calls “real-time fact-checks” of the candidates’ statements.
Claudia Milne, CBS’s senior vice president for standards and practices, explained the intent behind this feature.
“The idea is to give people that second-screen experience,” Milne said. “The audience can get the takeaway they need in a responsible and smart way.” While CBS aims to encourage exchanges between the candidates, moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan will not be fact-checking during the debate.
CNN refrained from fact-checking in the first debate between Biden and Trump, while ABC moderators fact-checked the debate between Harris and Trump. CNN faced criticism from the Left for not fact-checking Trump, and ABC received backlash from the Right for its selective fact-checks.
In a change from presidential debates, both campaigns have agreed to keep the microphones live throughout the vice presidential debate, rather than muting them during the other candidate’s response.
The debate will start at 9 p.m. Eastern. All major networks will simulcast the event, but the fact-check QR code feature will be exclusive to CBS.
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.
Francine weakens to tropical storm after making landfall as Category 2 hurricane
After making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in Louisiana, Francine is on the move. We have the latest track. And the mother of the 14-year-old suspect in last week’s deadly school shooting in Georgia apologizes in an open letter to the victims’ families. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.
Francine weakens to tropical storm after making landfall as Category 2 hurricane
Francine has weakened to a tropical storm, hours after it made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The storm is now trekking over Mississippi.
Power outages have left more than 350,000 Louisiana residents in the dark and flash flood warnings are still in effect in parts of the state, as the storm batters parts of Mississippi with 70mph winds.
In Louisiana’s Terrebonne Parish, the powerful storm brought down power lines, snapped trees, and caused flooding. Partial 911 outages were also reported in areas impacted by the storm. Wireless companies have said they’re working on the issue.
High winds and a potentially dangerous storm surge from a now weakened Francine are expected to also continue into Mississippi and Alabama Thursday, Sept. 12, with the potential for deadly tornadoes and flash flooding as well.
According to the National Weather Service, Francine is expected to continue to weaken over the next 24 hours, downgrading to a tropical cyclone by Friday, Sept. 13, as it moves across the south.
Mother of Georgia school shooting suspect apologizes to families in letter
One week after a school shooting in Georgia left two students and two teachers dead, the 14-year-old suspect’s mother has now come forward. She penned an open letter apologizing to victims’ families that was first obtained by CNN.
Marcee Gray is the mother of 14-year-old Colt Gray, who has been arrested and charged with murder in the Apalachee High School shooting. This week, we also learned she made a phone call to the school the morning of the shooting, just moments before the gunfire.
In her open letter, Marcee Gray said she is “sorry from the bottom of my heart” to the parents and families impacted. She also said if she could take the place of the two students who died she would “without a second thought.”
While offering her condolences, she also wrote that her son Colt is “not a monster. He is my oldest baby.” She asked the community for prayers while offering her own.
His mother’s letter comes after it was reported Colt sent her a text message the morning of the shooting, saying only three words: “I’m sorry, mom.”
Marcee Gray said she called the school to warn of “an extreme emergency” at 9:50 a.m. ET last Wednesday, Sept. 4, and asked school officials to go get her son. Thirty minutes later, police responded to reports of the school shooting.
Colt Gray’s father, Colin, has also been charged in connection with the deadly shooting. He faces two second-degree murder charges, four counts of involuntary manslaughter, and eight counts of child cruelty. The next court hearing for Colt and Colin Gray is set for Dec. 4.
Trump, Biden, Harris come together for 9/11 memorial event
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump all marked 23 years since 9/11 together. Trump and Harris could be seen shaking hands ahead of the annual memorial ceremony at Ground Zero in New York on Wednesday, just hours after their first debate.
Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, was also in attendance.
After the Ground Zero ceremony, the candidates went their separate ways. Trump and Vance visited a New York City firehouse, and Biden and Harris went to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Trump also visited the memorial later in the day.
Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, marked the somber anniversary at a 9/11 volunteer event in his home state.
Secret Service to increase security for Jan. 6 electoral vote counting
As Election Day nears, the Secret Service has announced there will be increased security during Congress’ counting and certification of electoral votes. The beefed-up security is a precaution after the riots at the U.S. Capitol in 2021.
The designation unlocks federal, state and local resources. The Secret Service will be leading the planning of the event.
The counting and certification of electoral votes will take place on Jan. 6, 2025.
67 million Americans watched Tuesday’s debate
More than 67 million Americans tuned in for the first debate between former President Trump and Vice President Harris Tuesday. That was more viewers than the 51 million who watched the debate between Trump and President Biden in June.
However, it’s still far fewer people compared to modern general election debates, like the one in 2016 between Hillary Clinton and Trump that drew in 84 million viewers.
Tuesday’s debate marked the first time Americans got to see Harris and Trump go head-to-head. It’s still up in the air if there will be a second debate between the two.
Campbell Soup Company changing its name after 155 years
Campbell’s soup has been a staple in American kitchens for more than a hundred years. Now, after 155 years in business, the company is changing its name — slightly.
Its dropping “soup” from their official title and re-branding as The Campbell’s Company. That’s because instead of just soup, the company owns other iconic American eats like Goldfish, Cape Cod, and Pepperidge Farm.
Harris-Walz campaign quickly capitalizes on Swift endorsement with new merch
The Harris-Walz campaign didn’t hesitate to capitalize on the endorsement of billionaire pop star Taylor Swift Tuesday, Sept. 10. The singer endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Instagram immediately following Tuesday night’s presidential debate.
In less than an hour, the campaign launched Swift-style merchandise for sale on its website, offering “Harris-Walz friendship bracelets,” priced at $20 for a pack of two. The bracelets feature beads that spell out “Harris-Walz 2024,” and by Wednesday morning, the bracelets were sold out.
All purchases of the bracelets contribute to the Harris Victory Fund.
Harris played Swift’s song “The Man” at a post-debate appearance to leverage the endorsement.
Former President Donald Trump called into Fox’s “Fox & Friends” program Wednesday morning and was asked about Swift’s endorsement of Harris.
“I was not a Taylor Swift fan,” Trump said. “It was just a question of time. You couldn’t possibly endorse Biden. You look at Biden, you couldn’t possibly endorse him. But she’s a very liberal person, she seems to always endorse a Democrat. And she’ll probably pay a price for it in the marketplace.”
In 2020, Swift endorsed President Joe Biden.
In Swift’s 2024 endorsement post, she urged voters to register to vote and do their own research on the issues.