West Michigan high school wins ‘We The People’ state championship
KENT COUNTY, MI – East Kentwood High School students are heading to Washington D.C. after taking first place at the “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” state finals to compete for a national title. During the hearings, students testify before a panel of judges, who act as members of Congress, to demonstrate their knowledge of constitutional principles. Becker himself participated in the We The People program as a high school student when he attended East Kentwood, Robbins said. In preparation for this year’s state finals competition, East Kentwood’s team spent over 160 hours just in December practicing their skills, Robbins said. This is the first time since 2010 that East Kentwood has won first place in the state finals, Robbins said.
mlive.comWith inflation top of mind, voters raise minimum wage in two states
Nebraskans voted to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Nevadans voted to extend a minimum wage increase to $12 an hour to nearly all workers. Voters in Washington D.C. overwhelmingly voted to triple the minimum wage for tipped workers to $16.10 an hour over four years.
washingtonpost.comNow Texas Guv Has Dumped Baby Migrant on Kamala’s Doorstep
MARAT SADANAA new busload of 50 migrants, including a 1-month old child, were dropped in front of the Naval Observatory on Saturday, which is the Washington D.C. home of Vice President Kamala Harris, Fox News first reported. The group mostly originated from Venezuela and add to the growing list of migrants that have been transported to the vice president’s home. It marks the third bus of migrants sent from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott after others arrived earlier this week. Separately, six more buses
news.yahoo.comJudge unseals list of documents seized from Trump's Mar-a-Lago
A federal judge has unsealed a detailed inventory of items seized during the FBI search of former President Donald Trump's Florida home, Mar-a-Lago. The list includes thousands of documents, some marked "top secret," along with dozens of empty folders bearing classification markings. Robert Costa explains.
news.yahoo.comTrump's inner circle knew the White House documents were a 'big problem' and worried since June that the former president was getting himself into legal trouble: report
Donald Trump had multiple opportunities to avoid the FBI raid of his Mar-a-Lago home on August 8, according to The Washington Post.
news.yahoo.comEx-lieutenant arrested in library officer's shooting death
A retired police lieutenant has been arrested after police say he fatally shot a fellow law enforcement officer Thursday during a training exercise at a Washington D.C. library. Jesse Porter was at the end of a training exercise at a library in the district’s Anacostia neighborhood Thursday afternoon when he fired a weapon that struck 25-year-old Maurica Manyan, Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee said Friday. The library officer was then rushed to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
news.yahoo.comThis is what abortion protests look like in Washington D.C. right now
The Supreme Court on Friday stripped away the nation’s constitutional protections for abortion that had stood for nearly a half-century. The decision by the court’s conservative majority overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling and is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states.
U.S. Senate votes to advance bipartisan gun control legislation
The Senate advanced a new bipartisan gun safety bill in a 64-34 vote on Tuesday night. If passed, the legislation would call for some of the most significant changes to U.S. gun control laws in three decades. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe discussed the bill's main provisions and how it could fare as it continues to move through Congress on "CBS News Mornings".
news.yahoo.com‘Heartbreaking loss’: Fox kills 25 flamingos, 1 duck at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C. suffered great tragedy on Tuesday. A fox broke into the zoo’s outdoor flamingo yard and managed to kill multiple flamingos and one duck. No area had set off any alarm bells to the staff, who additionally confirmed that the hole that was later found was new. “This is a heartbreaking loss for us and everyone who cares about our animals,” states Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars Director, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. “The barrier we used passed inspection and is used by other accredited zoos across the country.
mlive.comTrump impeachment lawyer defending man in Capitol riot
A lawyer who defended former President Donald Trump during his impeachment trial against a charge of inciting the riot at the U.S. Capitol is now representing a man charged alongside other members and associates of the far-right Oath Keepers extremist group in the Jan. 6 attack.
Michigan National Guard soldiers return home from Washington DC
DETROIT – About 1,000 Michigan National Guard (MING) soldiers returned home Monday after a U.S. Capitol support mission. The National Guard members were deployed Jan. 29 to the National Capitol Region in Washington D.C. where they provided support to the D.C. National Guard and Capitol police for a post-inaugural security mission. According to a press release, the soldiers performed a variety of duties such as providing additional security, training and logistical support. “The men and women of the Michigan National Guard have always stepped up whenever called upon and their support for the Capitol region was no different,” said Gov. “The Michigan National Guard is ready to serve our state and nation whenever the opportunity arises, but we are always glad to have the soldiers return home.”
Wixom man accused of attacking police at Capitol with hockey stick pushes for release from custody
WASHINGTON – The Wixom man accused of beating a police officer with a hockey stick during the Capitol riot on January 6 is asking to be released from custody until his trial. READ: Body cam footage shows Wixom man attacking police at US CapitolAdFoy has been in custody in Washington D.C. since he was arrested at his Wixom condo in late January. Court documents said that Foy traveled to D.C. to attend former President Donald Trump’s rally and then moved to the Capitol. Officials said he used a hockey stick to beat officers, the assault was recorded on a body camera. He repeatedly used the hockey stick to beat police officers in the face, head, neck and body area.
Man charged in Capitol riot plot to be released from jail
An illuminated traffic barrier is seen on the Capitol grounds before sunrise in Washington, Monday, March 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)A man charged with conspiring with members of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group in the attack on the U.S. Capitol will be released from jail while he awaits trial, a judge ruled Friday after challenging the strength of the evidence against him. It's the biggest conspiracy case the U.S. has brought so far in the Capitol attack, as investigators narrow in on organized extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and another far-right group, the Proud Boys. Authorities have acknowledged there’s no evidence Caldwell was a dues-paying member of the Oath Keepers but have described him as a supporter who appeared to play a “leadership role” within the group. Caldwell's lawyer, David Fischer, said prosecutors have provided no evidence that the riot was anything but spontaneous.
Capitol Police chief appeals for National Guard to stay
Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – Worried about continuing threats, the acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police appealed to congressional leaders Thursday to use their influence to keep National Guard troops at the Capitol, two months after the law enforcement breakdowns of the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection. Pittman said she needed the leaders' assistance with the three-member Capitol Police Board, which reports to them. Paul Irving, who served on the Capitol Police Board as House sergeant-at-arms, denied that Sund asked him to call the Guard. He ultimately called the commanding general of the D.C. National Guard just before 2 p.m., who in turn testified that the request for help was delayed by the Defense Department. “We have the razor wire, we have the National Guard.
Senate seeks explanation for lacking security amid deadly US Capitol attack
On Wednesday, March 3, national security officials testified in the second Senate hearing on the deadly Jan. 6 attack, which is being held in an effort to better understand why security officials were ill-prepared for the insurrection despite intelligence identifying the potential for violence at the Capitol. AdDuring the first Senate hearing on the insurrection, former security officials testified that bad intelligence was to blame for the failure to anticipate the violent intentions of the pro-Trump mob. Far more advanced security measures were in place during the largely peaceful civil justice protests last year, compared to the lack of security measures in place for the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol attack. AdOn Wednesday, the Senate appointed a new sergeant at arms after former official Michael Stenger resigned after the riot. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.
Police uncover ‘possible plot’ by militia to breach Capitol
The U.S. Capitol Police say they have intelligence showing there is a "possible plot" by a militia group to breach the Capitol on Thursday. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – Capitol Police say they have uncovered intelligence of a “possible plot” by a militia group to breach the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, nearly two months after a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the iconic building to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden's victory. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6. Police were ill-prepared for the mass of Trump supporters in tactical gear, some armed, and it took hours for National Guard reinforcements to come. “We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4.” Police did not identify the militia group in the statement.
General: Pentagon hesitated on sending Guard to Capitol riot
Guard troops who had been waiting on buses were then rushed to the Capitol, arriving in 18 minutes, Walker said. Much of the focus at Wednesday's hearing was on communications between the National Guard and the Defense Department. Contee said Sund pleaded with Army officials to deploy National Guard troops as the rioting escalated. AdAccording to the Defense Department, Walker was called at 3 p.m. by Army officials, and was told to prepare Guard troops to deploy. Thousands of National Guard troops are still patrolling the fenced-in Capitol, and multiple committees across Congress are investigating Jan. 6.
Michigan Sen. Mike Shirkey falsely claims US Capitol riot was ‘hoax from day one’ in video
Gretchen Whitmer and questioned him when he told them voter fraud was not a factor in the state’s presidential outcomes. In the video, Shirkey was asked about the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in Washington D.C. That was all prearranged.”AdREAD: Man charged in US Capitol riot worked for FBI, lawyer saysThe video was posted Feb. 4 on YouTube by R.O.A.R. When asked about the video, Whitmer said she hadn’t seen it but had been told of comments being made. “That’s what I’m going to continue putting my energy toward.
Fence at Capitol blocks DC government from enacting new laws
In this Jan. 19, 2021 photo, riot fencing and razor wire reinforce the security zone on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Capitol Police say they are stepping up security at Washington-area transportation hubs and taking other steps to bolster travel security for lawmakers. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – That foreboding black fence erected around the U.S. Capitol building has had an unintentional side effect: walling off the local government’s ability to enact new laws. Last Friday, they did the same with a member of Vice President Kamala Harris' staff; Harris, as vice president, presides over the Senate. Only three D.C. bills have been directly overturned since 1975, but members of Congress do sometimes seek to alter or influence D.C. laws by attaching budget riders to certain bills.
Body cam footage shows Wixom man attacking police at US Capitol
Federal prosecutors said newly-released body cam footage shows a Wixom man attacking police on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month. Prosecutors used the video, pointing out who they said is Michael Foy using a hockey stick to swing at officers guarding the doors of the Capitol. The video also shows Foy jumping through a broken window to gain access to the Capitol. AdFoy had no prior criminal record and spent five years in the Marine Corps but was not deployed. Lawmakers will pay tribute Wednesday morning before a ceremonial departure for Arlington National Cemetery, where Sicknick will be interred.
Wixom man charged with assaulting police officer at Capitol riot will be transferred to Washington, D.C.
WIXOM, Mich. – The Wixom man that was charged with assaulting a Capitol police officer at the pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. is being transferred out of Michigan as the case against him continues. Michael Foy was shown in videos taken at the violent riot using a hockey stick as a weapon to strike a police officer who had been knocked to the ground, according to police. That video is one piece of evidence that led FBI agents to a condo in Wixom and Foy. READ: Feds: Wixom man was one of the most violent participants in siege on US CapitolFederal prosecutors said the officer’s body camera shows Foy using a hockey stick to strike the officer in his head, face, neck and body. Photos from Foy’s own cell phone placed Foy in the middle of a trashed Capitol, police said.
Under new president, Dr. Fauci says it is ‘liberating’ to ‘let the science speak’
“The idea that you can get up here and talk about what you know, what the evidence, what the science is and know that’s it, let the science speak -- it is somewhat of a liberating feeling,” Fauci added. Dr. Fauci asked about difference between Trump and Biden administrations:"The idea that you can get up here and talk about what you know, what the evidence, what the science is and know that's it, let the science speak — it is somewhat of a liberating feeling." Throughout the pandemic, Trump constantly undermined Fauci’s credibility, falsely insisting that the pandemic was nearly over. Now under the Biden administration, Fauci is in full view of the public, feeling like he can speak freely and openly about the science surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. “One of the new things in this administration is, If you don’t know the answer, don’t guess,” Fauci said.
FBI: Michigan man used hockey stick as weapon in Capitol riot
A Michigan man is accused of using a hockey stick to attack Capitol Police officers during the pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. He was identified by the FBI as a man seen carrying and swinging a hockey stick toward police officers. According to an FBI criminal complaint, these images show Michael Foy, of Wixom, with a hockey stick at the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. The tip provided a single image or photograph of a male carrying a hockey stick. Images show Foy with the hockey stick at first being used as a flag pole.
Wixom man charged in connection with US Capitol riot, accused of violence
(AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)A Wixom resident has been charged in connection with the pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. He was identified by the FBI as a man seen carrying and swinging a hockey stick toward police officers. According to an FBI criminal complaint, these images show Michael Foy, of Wixom, with a hockey stick at the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. The tip provided a single image or photograph of a male carrying a hockey stick. Images show Foy with the hockey stick at first being used as a flag pole.
Livonia nurse performs ‘Amazing Grace’ at national COVID-19 memorial ceremony
Nurse Lori Marie Key sings 'Amazing Grace' during a COVID-19 memorial, with lights placed around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Livonia nurse Lori Marie Key performed a rendition of “Amazing Grace” Tuesday at the national COVID-19 memorial ceremony in Washington D.C.“Working as a COVID nurse is heartbreaking. It gives me strength during difficult times and I believe it helps heal.”Michigan nurse Lori Marie Key, who went viral singing 'Amazing Grace' at work, reprises the song at the national COVID-19 memorial ceremony pic.twitter.com/8OtCaNU5mw — NowThis (@nowthisnews) January 19, 2021Key, a nurse at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, went viral last year after singing for fellow health care workers. “All of this is kind of bringing me back to my roots, something that I’ve always loved to. It’s just an honor and a blessing to be able to do nursing and singing at the same time,” she said on Monday.
More backlash for GOP’s Hawley as Loews Hotel cancels event
(Greg Nash/Pool via AP)ORLANDO, Fla. – Loews Hotels said Saturday it has canceled an upcoming fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, the latest fallout for the Republican lawmaker after the U.S. Capitol uprising. “We are horrified and opposed to the events at the Capitol and all who supported and incited the actions,” according to a Twitter statement from the hotel. Other than Trump himself, no politician has suffered the fallout as Hawley has. Hawley's office released a statement Saturday declaring he was undeterred by the backlash. But to equate leading a debate on the floor of the Senate with inciting violence is a lie, and it’s dangerous.
New web page lists all people federally charged in connection with violent Capitol attack
FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is listing all of the individuals currently facing federal charges in connection with the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the nation’s Capitol. As of Friday, a total of 46 individuals have been federally charged with offenses related to the violent insurrection that occurred in Washington on Jan. 6, which left five people dead. Read: More arrests in Capitol riot as more video reveals brutalityThe cases of those charged federally are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Related: Fearing death, lawmakers obtain body armor, armed guards in wake of Capitol siege, says Michigan GOP Rep. Meijer
DOJ, FBI share update on criminal charges related to deadly Capitol siege
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin and FBI Washington Field Office ADIC Steven D’Antuono discussed charges and arrests made in connection with the pro-Trump riot that shook the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. On Friday, Jan. 8, the DOJ announced that more than 50 people had been charged in connection to the deadly siege of the Capitol on Jan. 6. The FBI issued at least one other bulletin — they go out to law enforcement nationwide on the topic — before the riots last week.
DOJ: More than 50 charged so far in connection with deadly Capitol siege
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. Lonnie Coffman, of Alabama, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with possession of an unregistered firearm (destructive device) and carrying a pistol without a license. Joshua Pruitt, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority. Council allegedly unlawfully entered the Capitol building, and when stopped by law enforcement, he pushed the officer. “The lawless destruction of the U.S. Capitol building was an attack against one of our nation’s greatest institutions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin.
Michigan leaders condemn ‘double standard’ of treatment of mostly white rioters at US Capitol
Congresswoman Lawrence says, though it may be difficult for people to hear or even realize, the truth is that Capitol police would have responded differently Wednesday if the rioters Black instead of white. More: Race double standard clear in rioters’ Capitol insurrectionLawrence was among the many lawmakers inside the U.S. Capitol when the pro-Trump extremists stormed the building on Wednesday. Many are wondering why police had such a heavy presence amid largely peaceful BLM protests, but were hardly present amid such a violent riot Jan. 6. He also agrees there are major differences in the treatment of white and Black demonstrators by law enforcement. Congresswoman Lawrence says hearings will take place regarding what happened in Washington on Jan. 6 and the lack of security at the Capitol.
‘Words have consequences’: Gov. Whitmer says Trump encouraged domestic terrorism in Washington, Michigan
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is joining an increasing number of leaders in faulting President Trump for encouraging the violent insurrection that shook the Capitol -- and the nation -- on Jan. 6. “People can come together and demonstrate, that is not in-and-of itself ‘domestic terrorism,’” Whitmer said Thursday. In fact, during a campaign rally, Trump encouraged a crowd of his supporters chanting of Whitmer “lock her up” by saying smiling and saying “lock them all up.”Gov. The riot by Trump supporters who breached the security of Congress on Wednesday was “not dissent, was not disorder, was not protest. In solemn tones, Biden said the actions Trump has taken to subvert the nation’s democratic institutions throughout his presidency led directly to the mayhem in Washington.
‘Jeopardy!’ Jan. 6 episode to air at 7 p.m. on Thursday on Local 4
Wednesday’s Jeopardy! episode did not air on Local 4 at its 7:30 p.m. scheduled time due to continuous news reports on the riot in Washington D.C. The episode will air at 7 p.m. Jan. 7, followed by the already scheduled Jan. 7 episode at 7:30 p.m. The episode is one of the last to feature longtime host Alex Trebek, who died in November.
Violent Pro-Trump rioters storm US Capitol: Follow live coverage
A Capitol police officer looks out of a broken window as protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. At about 2:15 p.m., the U.S. Capitol was placed on lockdown as groups breached the Capitol steps. 6 p.m. update: Officials declare Capitol ‘secure’ nearly 4 hours after violent pro-Trump occupiers disrupted electoral count. DC Police just reported that 4 people died as Trump supporters occupied Capitol; 1 woman shot by police, 3 in medical emergencies. The police chief of Washington, D.C., says pro-Trump rioters deployed “chemical irritants” on police in order to break into the U.S. Capitol.
Twitter, Facebook lock Trump’s accounts after he responds to Capitol chaos with more false election claims
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)Twitter is threatening to permanently suspend President Trump’s account after they removed posts he made addressing the pro-Trump rioters who stormed Capitol buildings in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. In the video, Trump urged his supporters who were rioting in D.C. to “go home in peace,” but his message didn’t stop there. President Trump did not win the 2020 election, and President-elect Biden will be sworn into office on Jan. 20. Twitter is demanding that Trump remove tweets violating their policy within the 12-hour lockdown, or else they will permanently suspend his Twitter account. Later Wednesday evening, Facebook -- which also owns Instagram -- similarly announced that they will also lock President Trump’s account for 24 hours.
Michigan could lose 1 House seat, census estimate shows
DETROIT – Preliminary numbers from the U.S. census indicate Michigan could lose clout in Washington, D.C. and in the Electoral College. While Michigan’s population grew about 1% since the last census in 2010, the national average for population growth was 6% this year. READ: US population growth smallest in at least 120 yearsThe final census numbers are not official, but the preliminary numbers put Michigan’s population at 9,986,857 versus the 9,884,116 in 2010. Detroit’s population estimate for 2020 is 670,031 people -- down from 713,898 -- which means it’s probable the congressional map will be redrawn and Michigan will lose a seat in the House of Representatives, lowering the number of Michigan representatives from 14 to 13. The loss of congressional seat also means a reduction of electoral votes for the state, from 16 to 15.