New Jan. 6 video shows Pelosi talking Trump, 25th Amdt and Capitol security
Newly released footage shows then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Jan. 6, 2021 as rioters were breaking into the U.S. Capitol building. In the video, Pelosi discussed the 25th Amendment, called then-President Donald Trump a domestic enemy and said she takes responsibility for not having better prepared security.
The footage was originally recorded by Pelosi’s daughter Alexandra for an HBO documentary she made about her mother called “Pelosi in the House.” It was released in 2022.
HBO gave the House Committee on Administration the new video as part of its Republican-led investigation aimed at undermining the Jan. 6 Select Committee. Multiple news outlets, including CNN, CBS and NBC also obtained the video.
In a clip released by NBC News, Pelosi can be seen meeting with her senior staff on Jan. 7 and discussing the 25th Amendment. That amendment allows the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president unable to discharge the duties of his office, making the vice president the acting president.
“I want a copy of the cabinet because I want to say when we talk about the 25th Amendment, we’re talking, we’re calling upon Secretary Pompeo, secretary whatever his name is, Mnuchin, the attorney general of the United States,” Pelosi told her staff. “Just right down the succession line.”
“In calling for this seditious act, the president has committed an unspeakable assault on our nation and our people,” Pelosi ultimately told reporters on Jan. 7. “I join the Senate Democratic leader in calling on the vice president to remove this president by immediately invoking the 25th Amendment. If the vice president and the cabinet do not act, the Congress may be prepared to move forward with impeachment.”
Then-Vice President Mike Pence declined to invoke the 25th Amendment and the House impeached Trump for a second time.
In another clip released by CBS, Pelosi is seen being escorted out of the Capitol by her security detail and asking why they were not prepared for the worst. She asked why the National Guard were just being called then and said they should have been there from the beginning.
“Why weren’t the National Guard there to begin with?” Pelosi asked a staff member.
“They thought that they had sufficient resources,” the staffer responded.
“That is not a question.” Pelosi said. “They don’t know, they clearly didn’t know and I take more responsibility for not having them just prepared for more.”
Former Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said Trump told them they would need 10,000 national guardsmen for Jan. 6 but never elaborated on it. According to The Associated Press, there is no evidence Trump signed an order approving troops. Miller also told the Jan. 6 committee that local law enforcement thought they had sufficient personnel.
Israel strikes Hezbollah site in Lebanon; both sides claim victory
Israel and Hezbollah are both claiming victories after their biggest exchange of fire yet. And two NASA astronauts stuck aboard the International Space Station will have to stay there a few more months. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Aug. 26, 2024.
Israel strikes Hezbollah site in Lebanon; both sides claim victory
There are new concerns over the war in the Middle East expanding into a larger conflict after Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon had their biggest exchange of fire since the conflict broke out in the region ten months ago. Both sides are claiming victories.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, Israel launched what it described as “a preemptive strike” against a major attack that Hezbollah was planning to launch on Israeli soil. Israel said 100 of its military planes successfully took out thousands of “rocket launcher barrels,” and six Hezbollah fighters were killed.
Hours later, Israel’s missile defense system intercepted 300 rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah toward Israel. The Israel Defense Forces said one navy officer was killed after being hit by shrapnel when the Iron Dome was intercepting the drones.
In a televised address, Hezbollah’s leader called this a victory for their side, saying the attack was in retaliation for the recent assassination of one of its founders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this attack “will not be the final word.”
ISIS claims responsibility for deadly Germany stabbing attack
ISIS has now claimed responsibility for a deadly stabbing attack in Germany that happened during a festival Friday night, Aug. 23. A 26-year-old man from Syria has been arrested in connection with the attack.
Police said the man turned himself in for the knife attack that left three people dead, and eight others injured. Officials say the man has “radical Islamist beliefs” and “wanted to kill as many people as possible.”
ISIS said in a statement Saturday, Aug. 24, the man is “a soldier for the Islamic state” who was “targeting Christians” in his attack.
The festival was commemorating the 650th anniversary of the western German city of Solingen.
Harris, Trump campaigns to focus on battleground states this week
On the campaign trail, the 2024 candidates are focusing on battleground states this week. Vice President Kamala Harris will be launching a bus tour in southern Georgia and former President Donald Trump will hit multiple swing states.
On Monday, Aug. 26, Trump is set to address the National Guard Association’s conference in Detroit. He’s also slated to hold a rally in Michigan, a town hall in Wisconsin, and a rally in Pennsylvania.
This comes after both campaigns had big weeks last week.
Harris officially accepted her party’s nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, Aug. 22. The Harris campaign said they’ve raised $540 million in only a month since it launched.
While she hasn’t yet done a sit-down interview with the media since emerging as a presidential candidate, that will soon change. She is expected to sit down with her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to record their first joint interview next week.
NASA astronauts to stay on ISS until February
Two NASA astronauts who have been stuck on the International Space Station since June will have to stay there a few more months. On Saturday, the space agency decided it’s not safe enough for Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return to Earth in Boeing’s Starliner.
Concerns linger over multiple helium leaks and degraded thrusters. Instead, Wilmore and Williams will wait until February when SpaceX already has a mission to the ISS planned and will pick them up.
“Spaceflight is risky even at its safest,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “And so, the decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring the Boeing Starliner home uncrewed is a result of a commitment to safety.”
The decision means two of the four astronauts who were supposed to go to the ISS in February for the SpaceX mission will have to give up their seats so NASA’s astronauts can finally come home. They were originally only supposed to stay on the ISS for about a week.
Meanwhile, SpaceX is getting ready for a high-stakes mission Tuesday, Aug. 27. Private astronauts on the Polaris mission are set to attempt the first-ever commercial spacewalk.
Long Labor Day weekend travel expected to break records
We’re just days away from the unofficial end of summer and this Labor Day travel weekend is gearing up to be a busy one. The TSA predicts it will be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record.
AAA predicts the roads won’t be any less crowded, as gas prices are lower than last year.
If you are hitting the road, AAA said expect the heaviest traffic in the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, Aug. 30. For those traveling on Saturday, Aug. 31, AAA suggests departing in the afternoon for smoother traffic.
If you’re returning home on Sunday, Sept. 1, or Labor Day, Sept. 2, AAA said it’s best to leave as early as possible to avoid heavy afternoon traffic.
Babe Ruth’s 1932 ‘called shot’ jersey sells for record $24.12M
Almost a century after Babe Ruth called his shot during the 1932 World Series he’s made history again. More specifically, his jersey has.
Ruth’s famous “called shot” came as the Yankees and Chicago Cubs faced off in game three of the world series at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on October 1, 1932. In the fifth inning, Ruth made a pointing gesture while at bat and then hit the home run off Cubs pitcher Charlie Root, ultimately leading to the Yankees winning the World Series.
The jersey is now the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold at auction, according to MLB.com.
Walz defends his military record at first solo campaign event
Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) defends his military record in his first solo campaign event since being named Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. And an emergency declaration is approved for Puerto Rico as Tropical Storm Ernesto churns through the Caribbean. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
Walz defends his military record at first solo campaign event
With just 83 days left until the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, held his first solo campaign event on Tuesday, Aug. 13, speaking at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees convention in Los Angeles. During his speech, he addressed his 24-year military record, which has become one of the top controversies for the Democratic ticket.
Republican vice presidential pick Ohio Sen. JD Vance has accused Walz of “stolen valor,” criticizing Walz over remarks he made in 2018 saying he carried weapons in war, even though he never saw combat. The Harris campaign has clarified Walz “misspoke” when he said that.
“I just want to say I’m proud to have served my country and I always will be,” Walz said. “I firmly believe you should never denigrate a person’s service record. To anyone brave enough to put on that uniform for our great country, including my opponent, I just have a few simple words: thank you for your service and sacrifice.”
Walz served in the United States National Guard. Vance is a former Marine.
Walz will be taking part in a five-state fundraising blitz over the next several days, while Vance will be in Michigan on Wednesday, Aug. 14, and Pennsylvania on Thursday, Aug. 15.
According to the UAW, Trump and Musk advocated for firing workers who strike. Striking is a protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act and workers cannot legally be fired for it.
Recently, the UAW has been trying to organize Tesla employees and it has endorsed Vice President Harris in the 2024 presidential race.
The newly approved arms sale to Israel will include 50 fighter jets, air-to-air missiles, tank ammunition and tactical vehicles. The sale, however, isn’t expected to make an immediate difference in the current conflict. It’s unlikely these weapons will be delivered until 2026 at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Hamas’ new leader says it won’t be attending a planned meeting in Qatar for ongoing cease-fire talks on Thursday, Aug. 15.
President Biden and European leaders have been pushing both sides to return to the negotiating table as Iran has doubled down on threats to attack Israel. President Biden told reporters Tuesday a cease-fire deal could prevent a broader war from breaking out in the Middle East.
Hamas’ refusal to take part in negotiations signals any compromise is still far off.
Japanese prime minister won’t seek reelection amid political scandals
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he will not run for a second term to lead the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Instead, he will step down next month after scandal, public dissatisfaction, and rising living costs have riddled his three-year term.
In recent months, the LDP has been in the middle of one of Japan’s biggest political scandals in decades. Two of the most influential factions in the LDP are accused of failing to properly declare their income and expenditures and rerouting political funds to lawmakers as kickbacks.
Puerto Rico under state of emergency ahead of Ernesto
Puerto Rico is under a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Ernesto churns its way. It’s expected to become a hurricane at some point Wednesday morning, unleashing flooding rainfall and heavy winds that could be a massive blow to the island’s struggling power infrastructure.
The National Hurricane Center said the storm could become a major hurricane “in a couple of days.”
This comes only days after Debby finished its deadly and destructive trek along the United States’ east coast. Ernesto is the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Google unveils new lineup of AI-powered phones
The next generation of the phone wars is here and it’s all about artificial intelligence. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, Google unveiled its latest lineup of pixel phones at its annual showcase.
The yearly event was held a bit earlier than usual this year as Google looks to be one step ahead of Apple when it comes to AI. While we wait for Apple to reveal its next-gen iPhones in September, Google showcased its Pixel 9 lineup — four new phones complete with AI capabilities using its Gemini technology.
New AI functions include a voice conversation feature and a magic editor that can add a person to a photo who wasn’t in the original.
Google’s new phones are available now to preorder. Two are being released on August 22 and the other two on September 4, with the least expensive pixel costing $800 and the most expensive selling for $1,800.
Texas continues to make strides in securing its southern border with Mexico, although at a significant cost. Gov. Greg Abbott committed to a large, state-funded border wall project as part of Operation Lone Star.
Three years into the project, only 34 miles of the planned 1,254-mile wall have been completed. At the current rate, the crew expects to complete the project in 30 years at an estimated cost of $20 billion. Currently, the constructed sections of the wall represent only 4% of the targeted areas, with a goal to reach 100 miles by the end of 2026. Crews would need to build about half a mile per week to meet that goal.
Construction on the Texas border wall continues in Maverick County.
While President Biden refuses to secure the border, Texas stepped up and began building our own border wall. pic.twitter.com/O5oGOp4027
Land acquisition has proven to be a significant hurdle as contractors face challenges in securing land easements. However, the Texas Facilities Commission noted a turning point. Improved negotiations lead to 79 easements covering approximately 59 miles of the proposed wall.
Texas already spent more than $3 billion on the wall’s construction. This funding does not include the work being done on a forward operating base in Eagle Pass, a major hotspot for migrant crossings. Border officials recorded about 214,000 encounters through May of 2024.
The 80-acre facility currently supports around 300 Texas National Guard soldiers, with plans to expand and accommodate up to 1,800.
Security at the borders varies significantly by location. For example, El Paso features a steel wall built in 2018 during Donald Trump’s presidency. In comparison, Eagle Pass uses a makeshift combination of shipping containers, chain-link fences and concertina wire along the Rio Grande.
Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, Texas taxpayers have spent $11 billion on various security measures, attracting mixed criticism across the state. Supporters argued it is a necessary response to federal inaction on border security and immigration enforcement. Many proponents also donated more than $56 million by the end of last year.
Critics, however, question the initiative’s efficacy and financial responsibility. The ACLU of Texas raised concerns about racial profiling in arrests made under the operation.
All 50 governors oppose Biden proposal on authority over the National Guard
Fifty governors have signed letters in opposition to a Biden administration proposal that would change who has control over a state’s national guard. A new Pentagon proposal, supported by the White House, would partially change that.
It’s a governor’s job to handle the state’s National Guard, deploying members within their own state or to others in times of crisis.
The Pentagon’s proposal would give the Air Force secretary the sole authority to move Air National Guard members from any state to Space Force units in effort to build the service’s Space Force.
The secretary said the proposal impacts 13 space units — about 1,000 Air National Guard members.
A White House official said the Biden administration stands by the proposal for a one-time transfer of airmen to help expand the Space Force and expand space security.
However, the governors are calling the proposal an overreach.
“If adopted, the proposal would flout more than a century of precedent and undermine federal law protections for state control of their National Guard,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, wrote in an open letter to lawmakers.
“Instead of attempting such a power grab in Congress, the U.S. Department of the Air Force should work with the affected governors to build up the Space Force in a way that is consistent with federal law,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, R, wrote in an open letter to Biden.
“Legislation that sidesteps, eliminates or otherwise reduces Governors’ authority within their states and territories undermines longstanding partnerships, precedence, military readiness and operational efficacy,” a joint letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed by the other 48 governors reads.
The proposal is being reviewed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. There are no further reports on what committee members plan to do with it.
NYC subway shooting renews violence worries after National Guard called in
A man is in critical condition after being shot in the head on a Brooklyn subway train during rush hour Thursday, March 14. The altercation took place between a 32-year-old man and a 36-year-old man on board a northbound A train at a Brooklyn station.
Chief of Transit Michael Kemper held a news conference and said the 32-year-old had boarded the train and was approached by the 36-year-old man who was behaving aggressively and brandishing a knife.
The chief said that a woman who appeared to be with the 32-year-old man had a sharp object and seemed to have stabbed the 36-year-old.
“The 36-year-old removed a firearm from his jacket,” Kemper said during a news briefing. “He then took that firearm, started walking toward the 32-year-old who was on the train, yelling at him, walking toward him in a menacing way. And it became physical again between the two. During this physical confrontation. Well, that gun, we believe, was removed from the 36-year-old by the 32-year-old. And the 32-year-old fired multiple shots, striking the 36-year-old.”
Shots were fired, causing panic among passengers. Officers swiftly responded and apprehended the suspect.
This incident adds to recent concerns about subway safety following a series of violent events. It also comes a week after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she was deploying the National Guard to help secure the subway system and keep New Yorkers safe.
Authorities have not determined whether charges will be filed against the 32-year-old, emphasizing the ongoing investigation.
No cease-fire deal reached in Gaza as Ramadan begins
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins with no signs of a cease-fire in the war in Gaza. And Kate responds after news agencies pulled an image of the Royal Family, claiming it has been altered. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, March 11, 2024.
No cease-fire deal reached as Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins
Despite hopes for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, no agreement has been reached.
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The United States, among other countries, attempted to broker a temporary cease-fire before Sunday night. President Joe Biden issued a statement, saying in part, “The sacred month is a time for reflection and renewal. This year, it comes at a moment of immense pain. The war in Gaza has inflicted terrible suffering on the Palestinian people…While we get more life-saving aid to Gaza, the United States will continue working non-stop to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire for at least six weeks as part of a deal that releases hostages.”
Biden commented on the reported 30,000 Palestinians that have been killed in the months of fighting and the need for humanitarian aid.
On Sunday, the U.S. Army announced that a ship had set sail for Gaza, carrying equipment to build a temporary floating pier to supply assistance to the territory. The U.S. also continued to partner with Jordan to airdrop aid into Gaza, with more than 11,500 meals parachuting in on Sunday.
Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas leader, during a televised speech on Sunday, expressed that Hamas is seeking an agreement that would end the war and guarantee Israel would withdraw its troops from Gaza.
U.S. Embassy personnel airlifted from Haiti amid state emergency
The Department of State requested the operation to enhance U.S. embassy security, enable ongoing missions, and ensure the safe departure of non-essential personnel.
The airlifts, part of standard security measures, did not include Haitian citizens.
Rising gang violence near the embassy and the airport prompted the State Department to relocate additional personnel. Despite the turmoil, the embassy remains open, actively supporting Haiti’s local police, advocating for security missions, and promoting peaceful power transitions.
The German Foreign Ministry and EU representatives moving to the Dominican Republic due to security concerns. On Monday, leaders from Caribbean nations are set to meet to discuss the crisis in Haiti. They have invited the U.S., Canada, France, the U.N., and Brazil to attend the meeting.
Army National Guard soldiers, border agent killed in helicopter crash
Two Army National Guard soldiers, 28-year-old Casey Frankoski and 30-year-old John Grassia, along with 49-year-old Border Agent Chris Luna, were killed when their UH-72 Lakota helicopter crashed near Texas’ southern border during border security operations.
Another National Guard soldier survived the crash and is currently in critical condition.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
News agencies pull image of Kate, children after claims it was altered
A photo from the Royal Family intended to celebrate Mother’s Day in the U.K. has sparked controversy and raised questions about Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, in her first image since undergoing abdominal surgery in January.
Several news organizations have pulled the photo of Kate and her three children after it was released on Sunday. Kensington Palace stated that the photo was taken by Prince William days earlier.
However, The Associated Press and other news agencies have claimed the image was manipulated, pointing to inconsistencies in the photo. The AP noted that while there is no suggestion the image is fake, it did not meet the organization’s standards for photos.
Getty and Reuters are among the others that have removed the image. On Monday, Kate released a statement, apologizing for editing the photo, saying, “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.”
Officials emphasized on X that the monument itself was not in danger, but the closure was a precaution to protect individuals waiting in line as wind gusts reached up to 52 miles per hour.
This is not the first time severe weather has impacted the structure. In 2021, lightning struck the monument, damaging its electrical system and forcing it to close for several days.
Nolan took home the Oscar for Best Director, while Best Actor went to Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. secured Best Supporting Actor.
Other big winners included Emma Stone, who won Best Actress for her role in “Poor Things,” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “The Holdovers.”
Alabama enacts IVF protections following Supreme Court decision
Alabama’s Governor has signed a bill into law aimed at protecting IVF patients and hospitals from prosecution following a near-three week pause in treatments. And—why New York is deploying hundreds of National Guard members to city subways. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Alabama enacts IVF protections following Supreme Court embryo decision
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey enacted legislation safeguarding in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices, following a controversial state Supreme Court decision that classified frozen embryos as children. This landmark ruling had previously led hospitals to suspend IVF treatments, fearing potential criminal prosecution.
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The legislation, which was expedited through the state legislature and signed by the governor late Wednesday, comes in response to urgent calls for the state to address the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision. This decision had permitted couples to pursue wrongful death lawsuits if their frozen embryos were mishandled and destroyed at fertility clinics.
I have signed SB159, the IVF protections legislation, after it received overwhelming support from the Alabama Legislature. #alpolitics
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) March 7, 2024
Under the new law, fertility patients, doctors, and hospitals are provided with legal protections, ensuring they “cannot be held criminally responsible if an embryo is destroyed.” Furthermore, the legislation stipulates that any civil damages awarded in such cases will be limited to the cost of one IVF cycle.
Following this significant development, some clinics in Alabama have announced that IVF treatments, which had been halted for two weeks, might resume as soon as today or Friday.
President Biden to deliver State of the Union address
President Joe Biden is slated to deliver his annual State of the Union address to the nation tonight, before a joint session of Congress this evening. The address is anticipated to cover key issues such as the economy, immigration, and the ongoing foreign conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
In tonight’s speech, Biden is expected to present his argument for re-election, leveraging one of his largest audiences ahead of the general election in November. The address follows closely on the heels of Super Tuesday, which has seemingly paved the way for a potential rematch between Biden and Trump in the upcoming presidential race.
Viewers can tune in to watch the State of the Union, which begins at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
Armorer on ‘Rust’ movie set found guilty of involuntary manslaughter
Following the verdict, Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney announced plans to appeal the decision. Baldwin, who has consistently denied pulling the trigger in the fatal accident, is slated to stand trial in July and has entered a plea of not guilty.
Three people killed in first fatal Houthi attack on ships in the Red Sea
U.S. officials have reported a deadly attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The missile strike on a cargo ship resulted in the deaths of three crew members, the first fatalities in a series of Houthi assaults on shipping in the Red Sea.
The strike targeted the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned True Confidence, escalating tensions along a vital maritime route crucial for global shipping. Despite ongoing U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis, their aggressive actions persist, including the recent commandeering of a $50 million Kuwaiti crude oil cargo for Chevron Corp.
The U.S. Central Command reported the ship was hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile from Yemen, causing significant damage and injuring another four crew members.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree stated the attacks aim to lift the “siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
National Guard deployed to New York City subways to combat crime
In an effort to enhance passenger safety, a combined force of one thousand National Guardsmen and state police will be stationed throughout the subway network. These security personnel will focus on monitoring the city’s busiest stations and will conduct bag checks to search for weapons.
Addressing the recent violence, Governor Hochul stated, “These brazen, heinous attacks on our subway system will not be tolerated. So today, in the wake of these latest attacks, I’m unveiling a five-point plan to rid our subways of people who commit crimes and protect all New Yorkers.”
Oakland Athletics unveil new Las Vegas stadium designs
The Oakland Athletics are set to dramatically alter the Las Vegas skyline with their new $1.5 billion stadium, drawing inspiration from the iconic Sydney Opera House. The team and their design partners revealed plans for the ambitious project this week, signaling a new era for the city and the franchise.
Together with @BIG_Architects and @HNTBCorp, we have unveiled the design for our new ballpark project in Las Vegas on the Tropicana site. BIG will serve as the design lead and HNTB as the sports/hospitality designer and architect of record.
Scheduled to replace the 67-year-old Tropicana Las Vegas by 2028, the 33,000-seat domed stadium will boast an outfield glass window offering panoramic views of the Strip, alongside the installation of the largest video board in Major League Baseball, measuring 18,000 square feet.
A’s owner John Fisher highlighted the decision to incorporate a non-retractable roof, emphasizing the stadium’s versatility for hosting a wide range of events throughout the year. The project’s hefty $1.5 billion price tag includes $380 million in public financing, with construction slated to begin next year.
Mass. high school calls on Gov. Healey to deploy National Guard
Emotional pleas from scared teachers at Brockton High School have made it from school board meetings to the governor’s desk. The school, located south of Boston, has experienced teacher shortages, budget deficits, and unruly, violent students, prompting school committee members to call on the National Guard for help.
“I suffer from PTSD and anxiety, and sadly, this year has killed me,” said Julie Fairfield, a math teacher at Brockton High School. “I have this last month been one of those teachers that has called out probably twice a week.”
In a letter addressed to the mayor and forwarded to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, some of the school’s committee members detail the pressing danger teachers and students face each day the bell rings.
“If you support safety in our schools, you will support the National Guard to come in here and keep our students safe,” school committee member Tony Rodrigues said at a press conference on Monday, Feb. 19.
According to the letter, there has been an “alarming” increase in violence between students, students wandering the halls and leaving school without permission, and even students doing drugs in the hallways. But what may be most concerning, according to the letter, is the lack of security at school entrances. Committee members added there has been an increase in trespassing, with people gaining access to the school without authorization.
While a slim majority — four of the seven school committee members — called on the National Guard for help, the rest, including the mayor, do not believe sending in an army is the answer.
“I know there is a lot of negative comments regarding the National Guard coming out here, but we are not asking them to deploy a whole army to our school,” committee member Ana Oliver told reporters. “We are asking for support, especially with the teacher shortage throughout the commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
Members clarified they want support to consist of hall monitors and teachers, rather than firepower and force. Some committee members pointed to the National Guard’s help in distributing COVID vaccinations during the pandemic as an example of the National Guard being used to help communities across the country. Still, not all city officials agree this is the right move.
“That isn’t the role of the National Guard, and uniformed soldiers in a school present a terrible image,” City Councilor at Large Winthrop Farwell Jr. told NBC10 Boston. “School absenteeism and violations of the current code of conduct need to be uniformly and consistently addressed with mandatory parental conferences.”
While it is still uncertain whether Gov. Maura Healey, D, will deploy the National Guard to Brockton High School, she did acknowledge the concerns brought to her desk and added her administration is committed to creating a safe learning environment for all students in the state.
While a local ABC affiliate reported that “many families” also do not agree with sending in the National Guard, other local reports indicate families just want the school’s committee to figure out a way to create a safe learning environment for their children.
Texas to build a forward operating base along Mexico border
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wants another forward operating base for troops. However, instead of having it overseas, like in the Middle East or Western Pacific, Abbott wants it at the border between the United States and Mexico.
Texas is expanding our border security efforts to boost support for the brave men and women of the Texas National Guard.
At a press conference on Friday, Feb. 16, Abbott announced he authorized the construction of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Eagle. The 80-acre facility will be located along the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Working at the direction of Abbot, Texas National Guard troops previously installed razor wire and built a wall of shipping containers along the riverbanks in effort to deter a record number of illegal border crossings into Texas.
The number of migrants crossing into the U.S. increased under President Joe Biden’s administration, leading Republicans in the House of Representatives to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
Abbott said FOB Eagle will enable the National Guard to consolidate its forces in the region, and it provides a central location to conduct operations. According to Abbott, FOB Eagle will house up to 1,800 troops with the ability to accommodate up to 2,300 under surge conditions.
“This will organize substantial forces also to expand the razor wire barriers that are going up,” Abbott said. “In this area, we’ve seen the effectiveness of the razor wire in Shelby Park, where crossings have gone from 3,000, 4,000 to 5,000 people a day to less than 1% of that crossing illegally per day. And that’s because of the effectiveness of the razor wire. Our goal is to make sure that we expand the effectiveness of that razor wire to more areas along this border. Having the soldiers located right here, right by the river, they’re going to have the ability to more quickly be able to construct that razor wire barrier.”
Forward operating bases are usually reserved for direct military operations in foreign countries, but there are currently 11 FOBs operating on U.S. soil. Eight of those are in Arizona and New Mexico.
FOBs come in many different shapes and sizes, and no two are exactly alike. At its most basic level, a FOB is a secure military location used to help and support tactical operations. That usually means some form of command-and-control center, but could also include barracks, dining and laundry facilities. Some FOBs even house workout centers.
FOBs also provide troops a place to recharge, as well as fix any equipment issues they’re encountering and coordinate with their commanding officers.
A recent survey of Texas National Guard troops who are currently deployed to the southern border showed a growing resentment over the lack of resources. The survey also showed a significant number of respondents thought there wasn’t a clear mission for troops at the border, and that their work was being politicized.