1 Chaos Reigns In Venezuela As Maduro’s Men Ram Protestors
Whether it’s true or not, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is claiming victory after violent clashes between his loyalists and forces backing opposition leader Juan Guaido [[gwye-DOH]]. In a national address last night, Maduro said the protests by Guaido's supporters were an attempt to overthrow his government – and that it’s been defeated. Maduro also blamed the U.S. for backing the protests – and that’s true – as Guaido was duly elected as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. Something Maduro has refused to acknowledge. Still, it doesn’t appear that the fight is over at all. Guaido took to the airwaves last night as well…to tell the people that the country’s military is increasingly behind him – something news agencies shared, until the Maduro government took CNN and BBC off the air. Either way, President Trump is threatening Cuba with a full and complete embargo and the highest-level of sanctions if its military does not immediately cease operations in the country. And while Russian soldiers are reportedly operating as well – and the government is mocking the United States’ support of Guaido – one fact appears clear: the fight of the people is not over at all.
2 Suspect In UNC Charlotte Shooting Armed With Pistol
The last day of classes at the University of North Carolina: Charlotte ended in a way no one expected yesterday as a suspect armed with a pistol opened fire. While two people were killed and four more were wounded, University Police Chief Jeff Baker says the speed that his officers were able to respond with was everything. In the end, they disarmed the suspect and took him into custody. That suspect, who has been identified as 22-year-old Trystan Terrell? He also smiled for cameras as he was led to lock-up. What no one’s saying at this point? What the motive was. And for many that’s secondary to caring for the families of those lost – as well as the survivors – three of which were last listed in critical condition. Baker said the university community is devastated about what has happened. That sentiment was echoed by Gov. Roy Cooper, who joined UNCC's chancellor, police chief and provost at a press conference last night. “A student should not have to fear for his or her life when they're on our campuses,” Cooper noted. “Parents shouldn’t have to worry about students when they send them off to school. I know this violence has to stop.”
3 Trump, Dems Focus On Two-Trillion For Infrastructure
Just because they’ve been jabbing at each other in the media and online doesn’t mean that Democrats and President Trump can’t work some things out. In fact, they’re agreeing on the need to spend two-trillion dollars for infrastructure. Trump hosted a meeting with top Democrats at the White House yesterday – and afterwards? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it a “very productive meeting.” She said there was general agreement on the need to go "big and bold" on renovating highways, bridges, airports, rails and a host of other projects. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer agreed and called the meeting “very constructive” and made the point to mention that apparently, Trump would work with Dems in spite of the various investigations into him (to ask Schumer, House investigations didn’t come up at all). Still, it’s not totally smooth sailing: one tricky area will be how to pay for their plans. Apparently, that's a discussion that’s expected to start when the two sides get together again in about three weeks.