The Full Belmonte, 9/13/2023
McCarthy orders Biden impeachment inquiry
“Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced today that he is directing House Republicans to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, alleging what he called a “culture of corruption.”
McCarthy called it the “logical next step” in the GOP-led investigations into the president and his family, as Republicans seek additional documents and records.
Those investigations have uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing by the president, or connections between him and son Hunter’s foreign business dealings.
The White House has accused McCarthy of caving to far-right members of his conference threatening to shut down the government at the end of the month unless they can pursue a Biden impeachment.
‘The House GOP investigations have turned up no evidence of wrongdoing by POTUS,’ White House spokesperson Iam Sams wrote on social media. ‘In fact, their own witnesses have testified to that, and their own documents have showed no link to POTUS.’” [NBC News]
DOJ files federal criminal charges against five former Memphis police officers in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols
“The Justice Department filed federal criminal charges against five former Memphis police officers accusing them of violating the civil rights of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who died after being severely beaten during a traffic stop in January. The indictment represents the latest in a series of punitive actions against the former officers, who already face state murder charges, and the Memphis Police Department, which is undergoing a sweeping federal civil investigation over its culture, training and policies.”
Read more at Washington Post
Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante caught after two-week manhunt: Updates
READ FULL STORY→ USA Today
McCarthy says Biden impeachment won't distract from funding fight
“House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ordering an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden Tuesday came as the Republican is juggling another daunting task – funding the federal government. The impeachment inquiry, in part meant to appease ultra-conservative lawmakers like those in the House Freedom Caucus, is now another task for McCarthy to juggle as Congress races to avert a shutdown with just 10 working days left before the Sept. 30 deadline.” Read more at USA Today
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, speaks at a news conference with members of the House Freedom Caucus outside the U.S. Capitol on September 12, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Drew Angerer, Getty Images
Inflation Accelerated in August as Gasoline Prices Jumped
“The consumer price index rose to 3.7% in August from a year earlier, marking a reversal from the cooldown in recent months. On a monthly basis, core prices came in hotter than the prior two months.”
READ MORE at Wall Street Journal
The CDC said everyone over 6 months old should get the new coronavirus shot.
“What to know: Preliminary data shows the reformulated vaccine is equipped to protect against severe disease and death from new variants, including the one most prevalent in the U.S., EG.5.
How to get it: The vaccines are expected to become available within the next two days. Find a location to get the shot at vaccines.gov.”
Read this story at Washington Post
Overdoses soared even as prescription pain pills plunged.
What to know: The number of prescription opioid pills shipped in the U.S. fell by nearly 45% between 2011 and 2019, new data shows, while fatal overdoses rose to record levels.
Why? People got hooked on pills, then turned to cheaper street drugs. The highest death rates hit places where average pain pill doses had been top in the nation. (Check your town here.)
Read this story at Washington Post
GOP lawyer with ties to three Trump rivals enters fray over possible disqualification from 2024 ballot
“A Republican election lawyer with ties to three of former president Donald Trump’s GOP primary opponents has joined a crowded field of individuals and groups exploring whether the former president can be kept off the ballot for his role in fomenting the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Jason Torchinsky, a partner with the Virginia law firm Holtzman Vogel,has in recent days initiated conversations about the idea of trying to disqualify Trump with a range of figures, including a Democratic secretary of state, fellow election lawyers and a retired federal judge who has helped lead the push to question Trump’s eligibility, according to multiple people familiar with the calls.
The lawyer’s involvement reflects the latest escalation in an emerging legal fight over a once-obscure provision of the Constitution. The tussle has produced surprising alliances, and analysts say it will probably end with a ruling on Trump’s eligibility from the Supreme Court.”
Read the story at Washington Post
Allergy meds
“Many popular over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines don't work, an FDA advisory panel unanimously agreed on Tuesday. Specifically, the ingredient phenylephrine is ineffective, especially in tablet form, the FDA panel said. Phenylephrine is the main ingredient used in products like Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion, Sudafed PE and Vicks Sinex. These products generated nearly $1.8 billion in sales last year alone, according to data from the FDA. While considered safe to use, many doctors have questioned phenylephrine's effectiveness for years. If the FDA agrees with the committee, companies may be required to remove products with phenylephrine from store shelves or reformulate them.” [CNN]
Fraudsters may have stolen about $1 out of every $7 in pandemic unemployment aid, totaling as much as $135 billion, watchdog finds
“A new report from the Government Accountability Office estimates that scammers made off with between 11 and 15 percent of the increased jobless benefits that Congress approved on a bipartisan basis early in the coronavirus crisis.”
Read more at Washington Post
As many as 10,000 people missing amid catastrophic flooding in Libya
AFP via Getty Images
“On Tuesday, officials from the North African country of Libya announced that more than 3,000 people were believed to have been killed, and thousands more are missing, after two dams burst as a result of Mediterranean storm Daniel.
This is the deadliest flood in Africa since 1927. Since 1900, only one other flood (in Algeria) has been as deadly as Libya’s, with 3,000 resulting deaths. With thousands missing, it’s likely Libya’s flood will become the deadliest on the continent in over a century. [CNN]
The already underresourced Derna, a coastal city in northeast Libya, was one of the hardest hit by the floods. ‘I have visited Derna quite frequently. I have been shocked that a city of 100,000 people does not have a single hospital that is functioning,’ Hani Shennib, president of the National Council on US-Libya Relations, told Al Jazeera. The flooding is ‘the straw that has broken the camel’s back.’ [Al Jazeera]
The floods in Libya come just days after a quake in Morocco killed more than 2,900 people. The disasters were equally devastating for the North African countries, and the humanitarian needs are huge, a representative from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies told the press Tuesday.” [NBC News] [Vox]
The city of Derna, Libya.Jamal Alkomaty/Associated Press
More than 5,200 dead
The initial floods in northeastern Libya — after torrential rain this past weekend — were bad enough. But the worst of the damage was not a result of those floods. It has instead come from the subsequent bursting of two dams near the coastal city of Derna.
By The New York Times
The waters that those dams had been holding back washed entire neighborhoods into the sea, officials said. Tall buildings fell into the mud, trapping residents under rubble. At least 5,200 people have died and thousands more are missing.
‘The situation is catastrophic,’ the Derna City Council said in a Facebook post. ‘Derna is pleading for help.’
The chain of events — first a major storm, followed by a collapse of infrastructure that made the situation far worse — reminded experts of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans almost 20 years ago.
Today’s newsletter gives you the latest news from Libya, with help from our colleagues Vivian Nereim, a Times correspondent, and Mohammed Abdusamee, who is in Tripoli.
The rescue effort
Medical teams have flown to Libya to help search for survivors and treat the injured. But rescue efforts have been slow because the flooding cut off roads into Derna.
Workers from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates arrived yesterday in Benghazi, a city more than 180 miles away. The Libyan government in Tripoli also has sent supplies, including body bags and medical equipment, to Benghazi. But it is not clear if supplies have reached the most affected areas.
The Derna City Council called for a safe shipping route to the city and for international intervention.
President Biden said the U.S. would send emergency funds to relief organizations and that it would coordinate with the U.N. and Libyan authorities. Emmanuel Macron, France’s leader, also announced financial and other aid for organizations working in Libya.
Bodies in Derna.Esam Omran Al-Fetori/Reuters
Climate change
Scientists say that climate change may have increased the severity of the storm that caused the flooding, a Mediterranean cyclone named Daniel. Though climate change is likely making Mediterranean cyclones less common, it is intensifying those that do form.
Making matters worse, Libyans are especially vulnerable. ‘Libya is ill-prepared to handle the effects of climate change and extreme weather,’ said Malak Altaeb, an environmental expert.
Most Libyans live in coastal areas at risk of flooding as sea levels rise. Towns along dry riverbeds can also flood rapidly when heavy rain falls and the parched earth struggles to absorb it.
‘This is going to happen more and more as the climate warms,’ said Matthew Brubacher, an expert on Libyan climate change. ‘Everything is falling apart.’
Political instability
Since Muammar el-Qaddafi’s government fell in 2011, Libya has lacked a strong central government. Instead, two rival factions have struggled for control: an internationally recognized government based in Tripoli, in the west, and another group in the east whose domain includes the flooded area.
As Daniel approached, the authorities in eastern Libya — who have limited resources — seemed to have no plan to monitor the dams and evacuate residents, experts said. ‘For the past 10 years there hasn’t really been much investment in the country’s infrastructure,’ said Claudia Gazzini of the International Crisis Group.
More flooding still seems possible. Yesterday, the mayor of Tocra, 120 miles from Derna, warned on a local television channel that another dam was at risk of collapse.” [New York Times]
A flash-flood damaged area in Derna. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
War in Ukraine
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un in a photo released by Russian state media.Sputnik, via Reuters
“Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un met in eastern Russia for a summit in which they were expected to discuss arming Russian troops.” [New York Times]
“Russian has overcome Western sanctions to expand its missile production.” [New York Times]
Morocco Earthquake
“King Mohammed VI, Morocco’s leader, has kept a low profile after the earthquake. Some said that slowed rescue efforts.” [New York Times]
“Though citizens are frustrated with the earthquake response, criticism of the king can have serious consequences.” [New York Times]
“Many Moroccans are eager for visitors to keep coming to support the economy and fund relief.” [New York Times]
Kim Jong Un is meeting with Vladimir Putin today.
What’s happening? It’s the first meeting between the North Korean leader and Russian president in four years. Kim arrived at the spaceport in Russia’s Far East in an armored luxury train.
What they’ll discuss: The potential exchange of arms, labor and food. Kim called his country’s relations with Russia his top priority.
Read this story at Washington Post
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio breaks US record for longest spaceflight
“NASA astronaut Frank Rubio now holds the record for the longest U.S. spaceflight. Rubio surpassed the U.S. space endurance record of 355 days on Monday at the International Space Station.” Read More at AP News
What Google’s trial means for you
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
“Today, the Justice Department's case against Google begins. The DOJ — and most US states and territories — filed lawsuits against Google in 2020, arguing it has a search engine monopoly that violates antitrust law.
The lowdown: The trial against Google is just the first of many the tech world faces. The Federal Trade Commission has a forthcoming case against Meta and could go to court with Amazon, too.
Much of the Google lawsuit hinges on the question: Which search engine do you use, and why? Ninety percent of Americans use Google, and while the company claims that’s because it’s the best search engine, the DOJ argues it’s because the company pays billions to be the default browser on most devices.
A similar antitrust trial decades ago took down the formerly predominant search engine, Internet Explorer. In 1998, the DOJ sued Microsoft for forcing its browser onto users. Eventually, the DOJ settled with Microsoft, allowing it to stay in one piece in exchange for millions in fines, but while the company had been tied up in court, new competitors like Google emerged.
The issue with Google’s dominance is that it creates a lack of choice (at least, that’s what the DOJ is arguing). While Google compares paying for default browser status to brands paying for prime shelf space at a grocery store, the DOJ claims the company has created an environment where it’s impossible to compete. For the same reasons — a lack of money to compete with the behemoth that is Google — the suit also claims the practices have stifled innovation.
The stakes: While a ruling on this case isn’t expected until next year (and it’s likely a lengthy appeals process will follow), the outcome ‘may be hugely consequential’ for businesses and consumers alike, writes Vox senior tech reporter Sara Morrison.
If Google loses and gets broken up into smaller companies, consumers could end up having more choice in which search engine serves as their default. If Google wins, that will set a precedent for the other Big Tech companies about how far they can go to achieve market dominance.” [Vox]
Apple’s new iPhones are switching charging cables.
“What now? The iPhone 15 models will use USB-C cables, the company announced yesterday.
Why? The European Union passed a law requiring all new smartphones and tablets to have common charging ports by 2024 to reduce e-waste.
What it means: Lightning cables are no more. But you’ll be able to share a charger with your Apple laptop — and even Android users. (Not sure if it’s time to upgrade? Take our quiz.)”
Read this story at Washington Post
”Tennis: Simona Halep received a four-year suspension for a doping violation after she tested positive for a banned substance at last year’s U.S. Open.” [New York Times]
Taylor Swift shines with the most awards at 2023 VMAs
“The year of Taylor Swift continues. The pop superstar was the biggest winner at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards Tuesday night. Swift went into the night with the most nominations, and left with nine wins including artist of the year, best pop, song of the year and video of the year. Her wins made Swift the second-most awarded artist in the show's history. She's also tied for the most wins in one night. After announcing her "Midnights" album at the VMAs last year, Swift won video of the year win for the album's mega hit song "Anti-Hero." It was the second year in a row Swift took home the night's top prize.” Read more at USA Today
Taylor Swift accepts the Video of the Year award.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY, AFP via Getty Images
The Tank MuseumSam Bush for The New York Times
“Internet fame: The first museum to reach 100 million views on YouTube was not the Louvre or the Smithsonian. It was the Tank Museum. Its videos, which include detailed discussions on tank technology and history, have made this museum in the English countryside an unlikely global sensation.” [New York Times]
“The National Book Awards dropped Drew Barrymore as its host after she resumed her daytime talk show despite the strike by television writers.” [New York Times]
“Locals in Brentwood, Calif., are fighting to stop the demolition of the house where Marilyn Monroe died.” [New York Times]