Rep. Cori Bush May Become The Next Squad Member To Be Ousted

Missouri Congressional Rep. Cori Bush May Become The Second Squad Member To Be Ousted, Polls Reveal

Friday, July 26, 2024, 11:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

ST. LOUIS, MO.- U.S. House Representative Cori Bush, D-Mo, may be in serious trouble and might be following in the footsteps of ousted U.S. House Representative Jamaal Bowman, D-NY, who was dealt a devastating blow in last month's New York Democratic primary.

     Bush has come under fire for anti-Israel views over the Israel-Hamas war, which was triggered following the October 7, 2023, brutal attack on Israeli citizens by Hamas militants that slaughtered 1200 people, including women and children.

     Since the start of the war, Bush, along with her fellow Squad members, has called for the U.S. to stop sending military aid to Israel and has continued to support anti-Israel and pro-Hamas protesters who set up encampments colleges and universities across the U.S. Bush has remained silent on protesters calling for "Death To Israel" and "Death to America." Over her tenure as a U.S. Lawmaker, Bush was accused of misusing campaign funds for her personal security as she joined Squad Members in calling to "Defund The Police."

     Bush once called out critics over her stance on defunding the police by saying "that people need to suck it up, I have important work to do." Since first becoming a U.S. House member, Bush has really done little or nothing to aid her constituents. Instead, just like her fellow squad members, she is more concerned about making headlines rather than putting forward legislation to help the people of Missouri.      

      In June, polls showed that Bush was trailing her Democratic challenger, St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell, by 23 points. Although in July, Bush has narrowed Bell's lead, she still is running behind Bell a recent poll reveals.

     In a recent survey, 56% of voters support Bell for the August 6th primary for Missouri's 1st Congressional District, while Rep. Bush trails with 33%. Bell also leads Bush in job performance and favorability ratings. 61% of the survey's respondents gave Bell a positive rating on his job performance, while only 49% gave Bush a positive rating. Further, 60% of surveyed respondents are favorable toward Bush, while 64% are favorable toward Bell.

     Now may be the time for Bush to suck it up, "voters have important work to do," In voting in Bell and ousting her from Missouri's 1st Congressional District.

FILED UNDER: JULY 26, 2024: NATIONAL, POLITICS, WASHINGTON, MISSOURI: 

    

       

 

              

 

The Obamas Formally Endorse Kamala Harris For Democratic Presidential Nominee

On Friday, The Obamas Finalize The Anointment Of Vice President Kamala Harris For Her Presidential Bid In 2024

Friday, July 26, 2024, 7:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- In a video released on Friday morning, former President and former First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for her presidential bid in the 2024 General Election.

     "Michelle and I couldn't be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office," former president Obama told Harris on a phone call joined by former first lady Michelle.

     Vice President Harris thanked the Obamas for their support during the phone call and expressed gratitude for their years-long friendship.

     "Oh my goodness, this means so much to me. I am looking forward to doing this with the two of you, Doug and I. And getting out there, being on the road," Harris said on the call. 

     "But most of all, I just want to tell you the words you have spoken and the friendship that you have given all these years mean more than I can express. It means so much, and we are gonna have fun with this too, aren't we," Harris continued. 

     Former first lady Michelle Obama said she is proud of Harris and expects the upcoming election to be historic.

     "I can't have this phone call without saying to my girl, Kamala, I am proud of you. And this is going to be historic," Michelle said to Harris.

     In their joint statement announcing their endorsement, the Obamas complimented Harris and her list of accomplishments she has made to the country.

     Friday's endorsement by the Obamas will guarantee the anointment of Vice President Harris as the Democratic nominee for her run for president against former president Donald Trump, subverting the votes of over 14 million Americans who voted for President Biden as their Democratic nominee. 

     Many Democratic leaders have said that the 14 million or so voters who voted for Biden before he stepped down on Sunday also voted for Harris. You have to ask yourself just how many of those voters would have voted for Harris if she was on top of the ticket.

FILED UNDER: JULY 26, 2024: NATIONAL, LOCAL, WASHINGTON, POLITICS:          

   

N.J. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez Will Step Down From Senate Seat

N.J. Senator Bob Menendez Will Step Down From His Senate Seat Effective August 20, 2024

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 5:00 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC. On Tuesday, New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez submitted a letter stating that he will resign from the Senate effective August 20, 2024.

     Tuesday's announcement is a major moment in the political downfall of the once-powerful New Jersey Democratic Senator. It will finally end his scandal-plagued tenure in the Senate. Today's announcement comes just one week after he was convicted on all 16 counts of the indictment on July 16, 2024, for his role in a years-long bribery scheme.

     Receipt of the Senator's resignation was announced at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday on the Senate floor during a brief exchange between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Presiding Officer Senator Peter Welch, the Democratic Senator from Vermont.

     New Jersey's Democratic Governor, Phil Murphy, is expected to appoint a replacement to fill the remainder of Menendez's term, which ends on January 3, 2025.

     Today's announcement will also bring an end to Menendez selling his power in the Senate for his own financial gain.

FILED UNDER: JULY 23, 2024: NATIONAL, LOCAL, POLITICS, WASHINGTON DC:

      

  

BREAKING: Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle Resigns Amid Calls From Lawmakers To Step Down

After Refusing To Resign In The Wake Of The Agency's Failures In The Attempted Assassination Of Trump, Cheatle Steps Down On Tuesday

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 1:15 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC. On Tuesday, Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle, in an internal email to Secret Service staff and in a letter to President Joe Biden, said she would be resigning effective immediately in wake of the Saturday, July 13th failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

     Cheatle, who came under fire on Monday by both Democratic and Republican Lawmakers during her testimony before members of the House Oversight Committee, provided few details and answers into how a 20-year-old man, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who took his father's AR Style rifle and climbed on top of a roof and open fire wounding former President Trump and killing a husband and father of two, and former firefighter Cory Comperatore, and severely injuring another two attendees. 

     Cheatle admitted under oath in her opening statement to members of the Oversight Committee that the Secret Service on "July 13th, We Failed. As the director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse of our agency." she said. "We must learn what happened, and I will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13th never happens again."

     House Republicans and Democrats alike, including House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, who had been calling on Cheatle to resign, calling her and the agency under her watch "The Face of Incompetence. It is my firm belief, Director Cheatle, that you should resign," Comer said during the hearing.

     Cheatle from the day of the assassination attempt provided few details and even blamed local law enforcement for the security lapses that local officials refuted in numerous press releases.

     Following her resignation, President Biden praised Cheatle for not firing her, which was what Biden should have done immediately after the July 13th attempt on former President Trump's life.

     Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, "I am grateful to Kimberly Cheatle for her leadership as Director of the United States and for her lifelong devotion to our country."

     Since being sworn into office on September 17, 2022, Cheatle has shifted hiring standards instead of focusing on training. A change in standards may have led to the catastrophic failures of July 13th in Butler, Pennsylvania.

     Under her watch, in 2023, ranking of the best places to work in federal as measured by the Office of Personnel Management's annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey and compiled by the Partnership for Public Service, the United States Secret Service came in 413 for overall engagement and satisfaction out of 459 subcomponent agencies.

FILED UNDER: JULY 23, 2024: WASHINGTON, NATIONAL:   

                    

  

Biden To Return To The White House Tuesday Afternoon

Hiden Biden Scheduled To Return To White House Mid-Tuesday Afternoon Amid Calls For Him To Resign Increase

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 9:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- President Joe Biden is scheduled to return to the White House on Tuesday afternoon following his COVID-19 diagnosis late last week in Las Vegas, Nevada. He released a one-page letter on Sunday on social media saying he will be stepping down in his 2024 bid for President.

     Biden had been isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home since testing positive for Covid, cutting a Las Vegas campaign appearance short. No one has seen the President since he arrived in Delaware.

     Many are questioning if Biden becoming ill as pressure has mounted for him to end his campaign following his catastrophic debate performance on June 27th against former President Donald Trump that has raised concerns from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers about his health and mental capacity as president.

     On Sunday, July 21st, shortly before 2:00 p.m., Biden, in a one-page letter on his personal letterhead, posted on social media that he would not be seeking the nomination to run for President in the 2024 General Election against Donald Trump. In the letter, Biden also said he would fully support Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

     Today's announcement of his return comes as Biden just canceled nine upcoming trips, fueling speculation that Biden may not be fit to continue as President.

     In 2020, we watched as Biden hid in the basement of his Delaware home during his presidential run. As calls for Biden to resign, White House Staff may be "Hiden Biden" in the basement of the White House shielding him from the press and the American public.

     Biden is scheduled to arrive at the White House on the South Grounds at 2:30 p.m. Today and will receive the daily briefing which is closed to the press. We will have to see if Biden addresses the nation this week to hear the reasoning behind his stepping down as the Democratic nominee, although we already know that he was forced out.

FILED UNDER: JULY 23, 2024: BREAKING, NATIONAL, LOCAL, POLITICS, WASHINGTON:

           

BREAKING: President Joe Biden Stepping Aside

President Joe Biden Has Just Announced He Will Be Stepping Down From His 2024 Run For President

Sunday, July 21, 2024, 2:15 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

REHOBOTH BEACH, DE.- On Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., President Joe Biden has just announced he will be stepping down from his bid to run for President in the 2024 General Election.

     In his statement, Biden said he will address the nation later this week and will fully endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Nominee for President.

     This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

FILED UNDER: JULY 21, 2024: BREAKING, NATIONAL, LOCAL, POLITICS, ELECTION 2024, WASHINGTON:

     

 

Biden Cuts Las Vegas Campaign Stop Short After Testing Positive For Covid

As Calls For Biden To Step Down Increase, Now He Tests Positive For Covid-19, Could This Be The Beginning To The End

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 7:15 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

LAS VEGAS, NV.- Today, as calls from U.S. Democratic Lawmakers grow, California Democratic House member Adam Schiff becomes the latest after getting the nod from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi in calling for President Biden to step down from his 2024 Presidential run against former President Trump.

     And, just as the walls continue to close in around Biden, a new Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released Wednesday found that nearly two in three Democrats say President Biden should step aside from the 2024 race.

     The poll that was conducted prior to the assassination attempt on former President Trump found that sixty-five percent of Democratic respondents do believe that Biden should step down, and only 35 percent of Democrats said Biden should continue to run.

     As Biden's circle of friends becomes smaller by the day, Biden now has boarded Air Force One after testing positive for COVID-19, cutting his Las Vegas campaign stop short.

     In an interview that is scheduled to air tonight, Biden told BET's Ed Gordon that he might consider stepping down if doctors told him to. Could Biden's new diagnosis of contracting COVID-19 finally become the beginning to the end of the Biden Campaign?

FILED UNDER: JULY 17, 2024: BREAKING, LOCAL, NATIONAL, POLITICS, ELECTION 2024, WASHINGTON:

          

 

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff Calls For Biden To Drop Out Of Race

Today, California Democratic House Representative Adam Schiff Calls For Biden To Drop Out Presidential Race

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 1:15 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

BURBANK, CA.- On Wednesday, in a statement to the Los Angeles Times, U.S. Democratic House Representative Adam Schiff, who is running for the United States Senate in California, called for President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.

     Schiff, who has been favored to win his run for his Senate seat, says he has "serious concerns" that President Biden can't beat former President Trump in the November general election.

     Schiff is the latest Democrat to call for Biden to suspend his campaign amid increasing concerns about his age and mental fitness for the presidency following Biden's disastrous June 27, 2024, Presidential debate with former President Trump, who is now leading Biden in most polls by at least five points.  

     In his statement, Schiff said Biden "has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation's history, and his lifetime of service as a Senator, a Vice President, and now President has made our country better. But our nation is at a crossroads," Schiff said. "A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November."

     Schiff's Wednesday statement comes after a group of Democratic members of Congress have called for Biden to drop out of the race because they are afraid of losing their 2024 elections, which would allow Republicans to gain control of the Senate and remain in control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

FILED UNDER: JULY 17, 2024: BREAKING, NATIONAL, LOCAL, WASHINGTON, POLITICS:

       

     

    

  

Over 250,000 Still Remain Without Power In Houston Area

250,000 Houston, Texas Residents  Remain Without Power Following Hurricane Beryl, Heatwave Continues

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 10:00 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

HOUSTON, TX.- As of Monday, July 15, 2024, over a quarter million Texans in and around the Houston area remain without power following Hurricane Beryl's landfall early last week.

     This is not the first time Texans have been plagued with extended delays in restoring electricity in the face of heat waves and other storms over the past few years. As previously reported, those familiar with the Texas power grid saw this coming the moment Beryl knocked power out to that region of Texas.

     Calls have been coming from Republican and Democratic officials for the public utility CenterPoint to answer for the delays so far. CenterPoint has been mostly unresponsive to Texas officials, prompting Governor Greg Abbott to say, "The communication component of CenterPoint is unacceptable. Corrections are coming whether they like it or not."

     We will be providing updates on this situation as it unfolds.

FILED UNDER: JULY 17, 2024: NATIONAL, TEXAS:

   

  

New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez Guilty On All 16 Counts

N.J. Senior Senator Bob Menendez Convicted On All Counts For Selling His Senate Office For Financial Gain

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 1:00 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

MANHATTAN, NY.- Today, the jury in the Federal Corruption Trial of New Jersey's Democratic Senator Bob Menendez has convicted the Senator on all 16 counts in the indictment, charging him with accepting bribes, including cash and gold bars, to benefit three New Jersey businessmen and also to benefit the governments Egypt and Qatar.

     The jury deliberated for just over 12 hours over three days before returning the guilty verdicts shortly after 12:00 p.m. Tuesday. When sentenced on October 29, 2024, Menendez faces up to 200 years in Federal Prison but most likely will receive a 20-year sentence.

     Menendez had been charged in September 2023 with 16 counts that included bribery, extortion, acting as a foreign agent, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy charges. The Senator had pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, as so did his wife Nadine Menendez, whose trial has been delayed indefinitely due to her recent surgery for an aggressive form of breast cancer.

     Prosecutors said that three businessmen paid bribes to Menendez and his wife in exchange for the Senator taking steps to benefit them and the governments of Egypt and Qatar. According to the prosecution, those bribes included 13 gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz Coupe given to his wife, and just under a half million dollars in cash that FBI Agents found stuffed throughout his home.

     This is a developing story, and updates will be provided. 

FILED UNDER: JULY 16, 2024: NATIONAL, LOCAL, LAW, WASHINGTON, POLITICS:   

  

BREAKING: Former President Trump Announces JD Vance For Vice President

Today, Former President Trump Announced That He Has Pick Ohio Senator JD Vance For Vice President

Monday, July 15, 2024, 3:10 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

MILWAUKEE, WI.- Former President Donald J. Trump announced on his Truth Social Media Platform on Monday, shortly after 3:00 p.m., that he has chosen JD Vance, a Senator from the Great State of Ohio, as his running mate for Vice President of the United States of America.

     This is a developing story and will be updated.

FILED UNDER: JULY 15, 2024: NATIONAL, LOCAL, WASHINGTON, POLITICS, ELECTION 2024:

  

BREAKING: Classified Documents Case Against Former President Trump Dismissed

Federal Judge Aileen Cannon In A 93-Page Ruling Has Just Dismissed Former President Trump's Document Case

Monday, July 15, 2024, 10:00 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Emglebrook Independent News,

FORT PIERCE, FL.- Federal Judge Aileen Cannon, overseeing the federal case alleging that Former President Donald Trump mishandled sensitive government documents following his leaving the White House in January 2021, dismissed the charges against Former President Trump and his two codefendants today.

     U.S. District Judge Cannon said in her 93-page ruling that she would grant Trump's bid to dismiss the indictment based on unlawful funding and the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith. In her ruling, Judge Cannon cited the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith as a violation of the United States Constitution.

     "In the end, It seems the Executive's growing comfort in appointing 'regulatory' special counsels in the more recent era has followed an ad hoc pattern with little judicial scrutiny," Judge Cannon wrote.

      Trump is slated to accept the Republican presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which began today. 

      Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on his life on Saturday evening in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a 20-year-old gunman opened fire, injuring Trump and killing a 50-year-old Pennsylvania husband and father of two, and leaving two others hospitalized in serious condition.

FILED UNDER: JULY 15, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, NATIONAL, WASHINGTON, POLITICS, ELECTION 2024:       

 

Renewable Energy Is Revealing Monetary Savings

Increases In Renewable Energy Has Begun To Show Savings To U.S. Consumers Across The Country

Monday, July 15, 2024, 8:00 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Elaine Metz, PhD Environmental Sciences, Englebrook Independent News, 

MANHATTAN, NY.- New research has revealed and begun to highlight the advantages that renewable energy is bringing to the average U.S. consumer. Researchers from the Lawerence Berkley National Laboratory looked at wind and solar electricity between 2019 and 2022 and found that production increased by about 55% over that period. In 2022 alone, wind and solar provided around 15% of all electricity needs in the United States.

     This reduced reliance on fossil fuels has cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 900 tons, the equivalent of taking just around 215 million cars off the road a year. 

     By accomplishing this, toxic air pollution, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, has been reduced, leading to a reduction in asthma and other related pollution-induced health problems. The displacement of fossil fuels by clean energy has resulted in a combined reduction in emissions of these gases by around 1 million tons over the three-year period.

     Researchers calculate that these emissions reductions have resulted in a whopping $249 billion of climate and health benefits across the U.S. Air Quality benefits have also meant an estimated 1400 fewer deaths throughout the country.

     Another component of the study highlighted how future wind and solar development can be targeted for optimum climate and health benefits. For example, the production of wind-powered energy will be highest in the central United States, whereas solar energy generation is most reliably produced in the Southern regions of the U.S.

     The study highlights the real progress being achieved in the U.S. in clean energy production and the climate, health, and monetary benefits derived from these important changes.

FILED UNDER: JULY 15, 2024: NATIONAL, LOCAL, SCIENCE & NATURE, FINANCE:  

      

Former President Trump Survives Assassination Attempt

Trump Slightly Injured, But One Was Killed & Two Others Critically Injured In Assassination Attempt Last Night At Pennsylvania Rally

Sunday,  July 14, 2024, 7:00 A.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, With Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

BUTLER, PA.- Former President and 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump narrowly escaped a targeted assassination attempt last night at his Butler, Pennsylvania Rally, just two days before the start of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he will be accepting the Republican nomination for a third time.

     Within eight minutes of taking the stage, Trump was seen grabbing his right ear after a gunshot was heard. Trump dropped to the floor of the stage as Secret Service agents covered the former President as additional shots could be heard.

     During the shooting, three attendees were struck by gunfire, one fatally, and two others remain in critical condition.

     A bloodied Trump could be seen pumping his fist in the air as Secret Service Agents were seen surrounding Trump and rushing him to his protective vehicle.

     The Trump campaign said in a statement that the Former President was doing "fine" after the shooting, which he said pierced the upper part of his right ear.

     "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

     The FBI earlier Sunday morning identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks within seconds of him firing shots at Trump, perched on top of a manufacturing company's building some 160 yards away from the stage.

     Last night's shooting attack is the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since John Hinkley, Jr. opened fire on President Ronald Regan, outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington DC, in 1981. 

     Saturday night's assassination attempt has now shed light on the political violence in a deeply divided nation.

     After leaving a local hospital in Pennsylvania, Trump exited his plane shortly after midnight at Newark Liberty International Airport. A video posted by an aide showed Former President Trump walking down the stairs of the plane, flanked by Secret Service agents and a heavily armed contingent of Counter Assault Team members. After leaving the airport, Trump arrived a his Bedminster Golf course in New Jersey, where it was reported that he was in good spirits.

     Many House and Senate Republicans were quick to blame the violence on President Biden and his allies. Stating that the constant attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy have led to a volatile and toxic environment throughout the country. Republicans pointed to one comment that Biden made to donors last Monday when he said, "It's time to put Trump in the bullseye." In the past, comments from former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said that Trump must be stopped.

     No matter whether you like Former President Trump or not, this anti-Trump rhetoric must stop; if Trump didn't turn his head, we might be having a different conversation. One thing we must never forget is that one person lost their life, and two are fighting for their lives for nothing more than supporting democracy by going to a rally of the person they support for the presidency.

FILED UNDER: NATIONAL, LOCAL, WASHINGTON, POLITICS, ELECTION 2024:     

               

            

BREAKING: Assassination Attempt Made Tonight On Former President Trump

Former President Trump Grazed By Gunfire Following An Attempt On His Life At Trump Rally In Butler, Pa.

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 7:30 P.M. ET. By: Art Fletcher, Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

BUTLER, PA.- Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage by Secret Service Agents after gunfire erupted during a Trump Campaign Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, just two days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

     U.S. Secret Service and the Trump Campaign have reported that the former President is safe and is being treated at a local medical center.

     Former President Trump was just about eight minutes into his speech when what sounded like a gunshot rang out, grazing Trump just above the right ear as the Former President reached for his ear, another three shots were heard, coming from law enforcement.

     The Associated Press has reported that the shooter has been killed, and a person attending the rally was also killed. 

      Former President Trump was seen pumping his fist in the air as Secret Service Agents rushed Trump to his Motorcade.

       This is a developing story. Updates will provided as soon as they are available.

FILED UNDER: JULY 13, 2024: NATIONAL, LOCAL, WASHINGTON, POLITICS, ELECTION 2024:        

June 2024 U.S. Inflation Report

Consumer Prices Rose 3% In June, Less That May Economists Expected But Fell Slightly From May's Number

Thursday, July 11, 2024, 12:30 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News: Charts From The US Bureau Of Labor & Statistics,

WASHINGTON, DC.- Consumer prices fell for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could result in a long-awaited Federal Reserve interest rate cut, but we shouldn't bank on that one.

     Consumer price increases slowed more than expected in June, giving some evidence that inflation may finally be cooling down. The Consumer Price Index rose 3% year over year in June, slower than the 3.3% annual rate from the month before. From May to June, prices dropped 0.1 percent. This will be the first time the monthly numbers have significantly declined since May 2020.

     Thursday's report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics gives some hope that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates in September, which could bring some relief to voters ahead of the 2024 general election.

     In remarks to Congress on Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell expressed concerns that "holding interest rates too high for too long could jeopardize economic growth. Reducing policy restraint too late or too little could unduly weaken economic activity and employment, " but Powell stopped short of committing to an interest rate cut. 

     Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, climbed just 0.1% from May to June. This would be the slowest monthly growth since January 2021. Gasoline prices fell by 3.8%, and used vehicle prices fell by 1.5%. Shelter costs which have continued to boost inflation for many months, rose by just 0.2%.

     Federal Reserve officials are unlikely to announce any interest changes when they meet at the end of July; however, the central bank could signal a pivot at its annual meeting in Wyoming in August.

     Although Thursday's report is encouraging, many Americans are continuing to struggle with their everyday purchases of necessary items. Hopefully, the July Consumer Price Index report will bring another drop in prices.

FILED UNDER: JULY 11, 2024: NATIONAL, LOCAL, FINANCE, WASHINGTON:                         

First Hurricane Beryl, Texans Will Now Face Extreme Heat

Many Texans Are Still Without Electricity Following Beryl Making Landfall Monday, Now Face Extreme Heat Without Electricity

Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 5:00 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX.- Many residents and businesses in Texas still remain without power following Hurricane Beryl making landfall on Monday, July 8, knocking out power to over 2 million Texans and killing at least eight people. 

     Although the damage left in the wake of Beryl has begun to be cleaned up, and the power for many Texans has been restored, many residents are now facing a more significant concern as temperatures are to climb into the low to mid-90s throughout the rest of the month, many will be faced with enduring these temperatures without power for air conditioners, refrigerators, and many other necessary devices that we all take for granted.

     High temperatures, heat, and humidity kill twice as many people each year in the United States as hurricanes and tornados combined. These extremely high temperatures will create hazardous conditions for the elderly, young children, and those who work outdoors or have medical conditions.

     Restoring power to hurricane-hit areas may take anywhere from days to weeks, so it is important that everyone use caution when outdoors and please keep an eye on your family members, neighbors, and friends to ensure their safety during this extreme heat.

     Although Hurricane Beryl has lost most of its power, it is expected to track into the U.S. heartland, where it is likely to produce heavy rains that will cause flooding and possibly tornados.

FILED UNDER: JULY 10, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, NATIONAL, TEXAS:

           

Closing Arguments Expected In Senator Bob Menendez's Federal Corruption Trial

Prosecutors In The Federal Corruption Trial Of Sen. Bob Menendez Expected To Start Their Closing Summations Today

Monday, July 8, 2024, 11:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent, News,

MANHATTAN, NY.- The federal corruption and bribery trial of Senator Bob Menendez is coming to a close, as closing arguments are expected to begin Monday afternoon in Manhattan Federal Criminal Court.

     Following nearly seven weeks of trial, the defense rested its case, with Menendez not taking the stand to testify in his defenses.

     During the trial, Manhattan federal prosecutors say, the 70-year-old New Jersey Senator sought to help Egypt secure billions of dollars in U.S. military aid and assistance and aid the businesses and legal interests of three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold bars, and car and mortgage payments.

     At trial, jurors were shown gold bars that federal agents seized from Menendez's home. The agents also located $480,000 in cash stuffed in envelopes inside his Senator's jacket pocket displaying his name on the front. 

     Menendez pleaded not guilty to 16 federal criminal charges that included bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction. He was charged in September 2023, along with his wife Nadine and three New Jersey businessmen.

     Lawyers for Menendez have sought to shift the blame toward his wife, Nadine Menendez who prosecutors say he used to act as a go-between for the bribes. Nadine Menendez, who will be tried separately has also pleaded guilty and has been scheduled for trial in August.

     Although Menendez has faced a criminal case in the past and came under suspicion in other allegations, this case will likely end the three-term Democratic Senator's career. Menendez resigned as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee shortly after being charged.

     Jurors also heard testimony from Jose Uribe, an insurance broker who pleaded guilty to bribing Menendez. Uribe testified that he bought Menendez's wife a $60,000 Mercedes-Benz for Menendez to use his influence to shield Uribe's associates from State Criminal Probes.

     During testimony, Uribe stated that Bob Menendez told him, "I saved your ass," during a dinner in 2020, at a New Jersey restaurant. 

     A final witness was due to testify this morning, and then Prosecutors will begin closing arguments.

FILED UNDER: JULY 8, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, NATIONAL, POLITICS, ELECTION 2024:                

  

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Plans To Reduce The Population Of Barred Owl

Over The Next 30 Years, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Plans to Reduce The Barred Owl By 450,000

Monday, July 8, 2024, 7:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

BAILEY'S CROSSROADS, VA.- Last Wednesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in a press release a plan to kill 450,000 Barred Owls along the west coast of the United States over the next 30 years.

     The purpose of this cull is to remove the non-native Barred Owl from the territory of the native and now-endangered Spotted Owl. "We're at a crossroads, and we've now developed the science and analyzed everything," said Bridget Moran, a deputy state supervisor for the Fish and Wildlife Service in Oregon. "We have to manage the barred owl. There is time to protect spotted owls, but that window is closing."

     Since the 1970s, Barred Owls have been spotted along the west coast with their population growing rapidly, displacing the native Spotted Owl. Estimates indicate that the Spotted Owl population has decreased by some 75%. Though it's not clear exactly why the Barred Owls have increased their range into the West, it is expected that humans may have played a part, possibly in releasing birds that were kept as pets. 

     The actual plan as proposed would not call for, or allow public hunting of the birds. Instead, crews of professionals would broadcast territorial calls on loudspeakers to lure the birds into range. Once in range, the professionals would dispatch the birds with shotguns.

     The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service believes that this would give the Spotted Owl an increased chance of survival by 10%. Opposition to the plan has focused on the low increase in survival chances as well as the fact that this plan would not fully eradicate the Barred Owl, but would only decrease its numbers. The agency has yet to specify what steps could be taken to prevent the Barred Owl from returning to this territory in the future.

FILED UNDER: JULY 8, 2024: NATIONAL, SCIENCE & NATURE, EDUCATION:   

 

U.S. Economy Adds 206,000 Jobs In June

U.S. Economy Adds 206,000 Jobs In June, April, May Revised Down Indicating A Slowdown

Friday, July 5, 2024, 12:30 P.M. ET. 5 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- Today, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that there were 206,000 jobs added to the U.S. economy in June, slightly more than expected as the April and May job numbers were revised down, a sign of a steady economic slowdown.

     The unemployment rate ticked up slowly by 0.1 percentage point to 4.1 percent, marking the first time since November 2021 that the jobless rate was above 4 percent. 

     In today's report, both the unemployment rate, at 4.1 percent, and the number of unemployed people at 6.8 million, changed little in June. These measures are higher than a year earlier when the jobless rate was 3.6 percent and the number of unemployed people was 6.0 million. The long-term unemployment rate, those jobless for 27 weeks or more rose by 166,000 to 1.5 million in June. This measure is up from 1.1 million a year ago. The long-term unemployment accounted for 22.2 percent of all unemployed people in June. 

     This comes as both April and May job numbers were adjusted lower by a combined number of 111,000, to 108,000 in April, (down 57,000) and 218,000 in May, (down 54,000) signaling that there were fewer jobs created than initially reported. 

     Although the June jobs numbers were higher than expected, reported on Friday, most of the hiring was the strongest for government, social assistance, healthcare, and construction, while the manufacturing and retail sectors lost jobs. 

     Government employment rose by 70,000 in June, higher than the average monthly of 49,000 over the prior 12 months. Over the month, employment increased in local government, excluding education by 34,000, and in state government by 26,000.

     Healthcare added 49,000 jobs in June, lower than the average monthly gain of 64,000 over the prior 12 months. In June, employment rose in ambulatory healthcare services by 22,000 and hospitals by 22,000.

     Employment in social assistance increased by 34,000 in June, primarily in individual and family services by 26,000. Over the prior 12 months, social assistance had added an average of 22,000 jobs per month.

     Construction added 27,000 jobs in June, higher than the average monthly gain of 20,000 over the prior 12 months.

     Retail trade employment changed little in June, down by 9,000, after trending up earlier in the year. Furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliance retailers lost 6,000 jobs over the month, while warehouse clubs, supercenters, and other general merchandise retailers gained 5,000 jobs.

     Employment in professional and business services changed little in June, down by 17,000, and has shown little change over the year. Temporary help services employment declined by 49,000 over the month and is down by 515,000 since reaching a peak in March 2022. Employment in professional, scientific, and technical services continued to trend up in June by 24,000.

     Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; transportation and warehousing; information; financial activities; leisure and hospitality; and other services.     

     Wage growth cooled slightly as anticipated, with the average hourly earnings rising by 0.3 percent in June and slowing to 3.9 percent on an annual basis. The labor force participation rate ticked up slightly to 62.6 percent from 62.5 percent after declining in May.

     The current gains in jobs are milder this year than last year at this point and hiring activity has substantially decreased from the increased pace of 2021 and 2022, during the pandemic recovery.

     The Employment data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. ET.

FILED UNDER: JULY 5, 2024: NATIONAL, LOCAL, WASHINGTON, FINANCE: