We’re back and we’re reading – everything from “The Hill” to “CBS News.” We’re trying to help you keep up with the rapid pace of politics and everyday news. Today, we’ve got an update on the border clash, an ex-Trump campaign advisor reporting to prison, and the seemingly never-ending midterms.
Clash at the border
On Monday, President Donald Trump called on Mexico to deport the migrant caravan gathered at the U.S. border “any way you want” and threatened to close off the border between the two countries “permanently if need be.”
Trump’s call for intervention comes after a clash over the weekend. U.S. authorities deployed to the border threw tear gas at the migrants who rushed the San Ysidro port of entry.
In response to the president, Mexico’s Interior Ministry said it would increase its own country’s security at the border. According to Politico, three dozen migrants who “violently” attempted cross the border have been arrested.
Ex-Trump campaign adviser to report to prison
Former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos was scheduled to report to prison Monday after a federal judge denied his plea to delay his two-week sentence.
According to AP News, Papadopoulos filed two motions (after the deadline) seeking to put off his prison time until an appeals court ruled on a separate case challenging the constitutionality of special counsel Robert Mueller’s appointment.
Papadopoulos was sentenced back in September for lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia operatives.
Republicans call for further action against Saudis
Republican lawmakers criticized President Trump Sunday for dismissing the Central Intelligence Agency’s report that the Saudi crown prince ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last month.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said the U.S. needs to “consider further action” against Saudi Arabia based on the intelligence report that said Khashoggi was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.
Kahshoggi was a journalist that was publishing stories critiquing the government while living in the U.S. and working for the Washington Post.
The CIA report concluded that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered Khashoggi’s killing by a group of operatives on a mission from Riyadh.
California Democratic party chief accused of sexual misconduct
California Democratic Party Chairman, Eric Bauman, is facing calls to step down after accusation of sexual misconduct.
After being approached by several staff members accusing Bauman of sexual harassment and assault, Daraka Larimore-Hall, the state party’s vice chairperson sent a letter to the party’s secretary calling for Bauman’s removal.
Larimore-Hall said he first filed the complaint with the party’s human resources department, but after Bauman refused to step down, Larimore-Hall began the formal process calling for Bauman’s removal.
Bauman has been the chairman of California’s Democratic Party since May 2017 and is the first openly gay person to lead the party in the state.
Runoffs and controversial comments in Mississippi
Thought midterms were over? Not quite.
The run-off for a Senate seat in Mississippi between Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy will be decided tomorrow.
On Election Day, Hyde-Smith led the field of three candidates but fell short of the 50 percent majority needed to claim the seat.
News of the runoff in the race has been overshadowed by a comment that went viral from Hyde-Smith during a campaign event in which she praised a supporter by telling the crowd if he “invited [her] to a public hanging, I’d be front row.”
After days of refusing to apologize for the comments, and calls for the return of political donations, Hyde-Smith finally said she meant no “ill-will” during a debate and apologized to anyone who was offended.
That’s all we have for today. Check back tomorrow for more.
