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1 Union Representing A Million Federal Workers Calls On Democrats To End Shutdown
The largest federal workers union is pushing for Congress to end the government shutdown, but Democrats are not changing their position despite the plea. The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents more than 800,000 workers, called on lawmakers yesterday to pass a bill to reopen the government. Over one million federal workers are going without pay, and some have started using food pantries to get by. The union's president, Everett Kelley, said it's time for leaders to focus on solving problems instead of figuring out who to blame. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin said the union's statement has an impact on Democrats, who have worked closely with the group for years, but he doesn't see any change in their strategy right now.
2 Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Had To Turn Around While Investigating Hurricane Melissa, Which Is Hitting Jamaica Today
Hurricane Melissa became a Category 5 storm yesterday with winds reaching 175 mph late in the afternoon, and it's heading straight for Jamaica, where it's expected to be the worst hurricane the island has ever experienced. Hurricane Melissa had become so strong yesterday that it forced a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Hunter plane to turn around early because of dangerous turbulence near the Category 5 storm's center. The storm is moving very slowly, which means it will dump massive amounts of rain on the area. Jamaica is expected to see between 15 and 30 inches of rain, with some spots getting up to 40 inches. The eye of the storm is expected to make landfall on Jamaica this morning, but effects were already being felt last night, with over 50-thousand people reported to have no power. The southern coast of Jamaica is facing a storm surge pushing water up to 13 feet above normal levels, which will destroy parts of the coastline.
3 Suspect In Charlie Kirk Killing Will Be Allowed To Wear Civilian Clothes At Pretrial Hearings
A Utah judge ruled Monday that Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, can wear regular clothes during pretrial hearings instead of jail clothes. However, the judge said no to letting him appear without shackles or restraints. Robinson, who is 22 years old, is charged with shooting and killing Kirk on September 10th at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors say Robinson targeted Kirk because of his political views and plan to seek the death penalty. According to text messages between Robinson and his roommate, when asked why he shot Kirk, Robinson said he had had enough of Kirk's hatred and that some hatred can't be negotiated out. Robinson has not entered a plea yet and appeared at Monday's hearing through an audio-only connection.