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Trump administration to move $3.6bn in military funds to build border wall – live Trump administration to move $3.6bn in military funds to build border wall – live
(32 minutes later)
The grocery chain Kroger joined Walmart in asking customers to refrain from openly carrying firearms while shopping.
Last year, the company announced that its subsidiary Fred Meyer would stop selling guns and ammunition. Now, it appears that the retailer, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is encouraging customers not to openly carry firearms in store.
Following Walmart’s move earlier Tuesday, Kroger says it will end open carry in stores. Unclear how it’ll enforce the policy. pic.twitter.com/h3IrBnwEdt
Walmart to stop selling some types of ammunition
The White House must restore a press pass for Playboy correspondent Brian Karem, a court ruled,.
The White House suspended Karem’s pass after a heated exchange between the reporter and pro-Trump radio host and former White House aide Sebastian Gorka.
Breaking: Just received word from D.C. District Court that our TRO has been granted and the WH must restore my press pass immediately. @realDonaldTrump
House speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the plan to reallocate military funds.House speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the plan to reallocate military funds.
“The Administration’s irresponsible decision to transfer funds from appropriated U.S. military construction makes America less safe and dishonors the Constitution,” she wrote in a statement. “The President is negating the Constitution’s most fundamental principle, the separation of powers.”“The Administration’s irresponsible decision to transfer funds from appropriated U.S. military construction makes America less safe and dishonors the Constitution,” she wrote in a statement. “The President is negating the Constitution’s most fundamental principle, the separation of powers.”
Trump initially decided to declare a national emergency in order to procure funding for his border wall after Congress refused to provide the resources he wanted.Trump initially decided to declare a national emergency in order to procure funding for his border wall after Congress refused to provide the resources he wanted.
Both legislative houses passed a resolution to block his emergency declaration, which Trump, in turn, vetoed.Both legislative houses passed a resolution to block his emergency declaration, which Trump, in turn, vetoed.
The Trump administration is reallocating $3.6 bn in military construction funds for border wall projects.The Trump administration is reallocating $3.6 bn in military construction funds for border wall projects.
The money would be redirected from construction projects within and outside the US to fund 11 projects along the US border with Mexico. In February, Trump declared a national emergency in order to divert various federal funds to border wall construction. Later, he vetoed legislative efforts to block the emergency declaration.The money would be redirected from construction projects within and outside the US to fund 11 projects along the US border with Mexico. In February, Trump declared a national emergency in order to divert various federal funds to border wall construction. Later, he vetoed legislative efforts to block the emergency declaration.
New York senator Chuck Schumer said the move was “a slap in the face to the members of the Armed Forces who serve our country.” Schumer was told that some of the money would be reallocated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in his home state.New York senator Chuck Schumer said the move was “a slap in the face to the members of the Armed Forces who serve our country.” Schumer was told that some of the money would be reallocated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in his home state.
It is a slap in the face to the members of the Armed Forces who serve our country that @realDonaldTrump is willing to cannibalize already allocated military funding to boost his own ego, and for a wall he promised Mexico would pay to build. https://t.co/sv2ys87bw1It is a slap in the face to the members of the Armed Forces who serve our country that @realDonaldTrump is willing to cannibalize already allocated military funding to boost his own ego, and for a wall he promised Mexico would pay to build. https://t.co/sv2ys87bw1
The Trump administration has issued sanctions against Iran’s space agency. In a statement, secretary of state Mike Pompeo accused the agency it of developing ballistic missiles under the cover of a civilian space program.The Trump administration has issued sanctions against Iran’s space agency. In a statement, secretary of state Mike Pompeo accused the agency it of developing ballistic missiles under the cover of a civilian space program.
On Thursday, a rocket at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Space Center exploded due to what an Iranian official said was a technical malfunction. Trump tweeted a photo of the failed launch and said the US had nothing to do with it, prompting concerns that he disclosed classified information.On Thursday, a rocket at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Space Center exploded due to what an Iranian official said was a technical malfunction. Trump tweeted a photo of the failed launch and said the US had nothing to do with it, prompting concerns that he disclosed classified information.
From the AP:From the AP:
Officials said the move was not directly related to last week’s explosion but that the surveillance image provided evidence of the U.S. assertion that the Iranian space program is used to develop missiles, including ones capable of carrying nuclear warheads or other weapons of mass destruction over long distances.Officials said the move was not directly related to last week’s explosion but that the surveillance image provided evidence of the U.S. assertion that the Iranian space program is used to develop missiles, including ones capable of carrying nuclear warheads or other weapons of mass destruction over long distances.
The sanctions are part of the Trump administration’s escalating campaign of economic and diplomatic measures against Iran since unilaterally withdrawing last year from an international accord that was intended to curb the Iranian nuclear program.The sanctions are part of the Trump administration’s escalating campaign of economic and diplomatic measures against Iran since unilaterally withdrawing last year from an international accord that was intended to curb the Iranian nuclear program.
North Carolina’s state political maps are so badly gerrymandered to benefit republicans that they violate the state’s constitution, a panel of judges ruled. State lawmakers must redraw the maps ahead of the 2020 election, without taking into account any data about election results.North Carolina’s state political maps are so badly gerrymandered to benefit republicans that they violate the state’s constitution, a panel of judges ruled. State lawmakers must redraw the maps ahead of the 2020 election, without taking into account any data about election results.
The ruling would only affect statewide elections — they wouldn’t affect how members of the national House of Representatives are elected. Still, this outcome is heartening for activists looking to challenge partisan gerrymandering. In June, the US Supreme Court declined to block the practice.The ruling would only affect statewide elections — they wouldn’t affect how members of the national House of Representatives are elected. Still, this outcome is heartening for activists looking to challenge partisan gerrymandering. In June, the US Supreme Court declined to block the practice.
The current legislative maps in North Carolina were redrawn by republicans in 2017 to replace previous maps, drawn in 2011, which were also ruled unconstitutional because they looked to shrink democratic voters’ influence on elections distorting district lines.The current legislative maps in North Carolina were redrawn by republicans in 2017 to replace previous maps, drawn in 2011, which were also ruled unconstitutional because they looked to shrink democratic voters’ influence on elections distorting district lines.
That’s it from me today. I’m handing the blog over to my west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. I’m handing the blog over to my west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Walmart announced it would no longer sell handguns or certain kinds of ammo after a series of gun-related incidents at the company’s stores — most notably last month’s mass shooting in El Paso that claimed 22 lives.Walmart announced it would no longer sell handguns or certain kinds of ammo after a series of gun-related incidents at the company’s stores — most notably last month’s mass shooting in El Paso that claimed 22 lives.
Mitch McConnell said he would not consider a gun bill in the Senate unless Trump had already expressed support for it, leading to accusations of “cowardice” by Democratic presidential candidates.Mitch McConnell said he would not consider a gun bill in the Senate unless Trump had already expressed support for it, leading to accusations of “cowardice” by Democratic presidential candidates.
Reports indicate the shooter in Odessa, Texas, obtained his gun through the private sale loophole, which House Democrats have passed a bill to close. (Trump has said he would veto the bill.)Reports indicate the shooter in Odessa, Texas, obtained his gun through the private sale loophole, which House Democrats have passed a bill to close. (Trump has said he would veto the bill.)
Trump once again attacked Sadiq Khan after the London mayor criticized the president’s handling of Hurricane Dorian. (Trump spent hours at his Virginia golf club yesterday while receiving updates on the storm.)Trump once again attacked Sadiq Khan after the London mayor criticized the president’s handling of Hurricane Dorian. (Trump spent hours at his Virginia golf club yesterday while receiving updates on the storm.)
New images show the extent of Dorian’s devastation in the Bahamas. Follow the Guardian’s live blog to get the latest storm coverage.New images show the extent of Dorian’s devastation in the Bahamas. Follow the Guardian’s live blog to get the latest storm coverage.
House Democrats plan to hold hearings as soon as next month on Trump’s alleged involvement in a hush-money scheme to silence women who say they had affairs with the married president before he assumed office.House Democrats plan to hold hearings as soon as next month on Trump’s alleged involvement in a hush-money scheme to silence women who say they had affairs with the married president before he assumed office.
Maanvi will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.
Beto O’Rourke accused Mitch McConnell of “cowardice” after the Senate majority leader said he would not take up any gun bill unless it already had Trump’s backing.Beto O’Rourke accused Mitch McConnell of “cowardice” after the Senate majority leader said he would not take up any gun bill unless it already had Trump’s backing.
What’s the point of your office and your branch of government if you have to wait for permission from the president to act? This is not leadership, it’s cowardice. https://t.co/b7eTHokw8nWhat’s the point of your office and your branch of government if you have to wait for permission from the president to act? This is not leadership, it’s cowardice. https://t.co/b7eTHokw8n
O’Rourke has consistently deployed tough language since his hometown of El Paso lost 22 community members in last month’s mass shooting. Shortly after that tragedy, O’Rourke snapped at a reporter who asked about whether Trump could do anything to improve the situation, “I don’t know, like, members of the press, what the fuck?”O’Rourke has consistently deployed tough language since his hometown of El Paso lost 22 community members in last month’s mass shooting. Shortly after that tragedy, O’Rourke snapped at a reporter who asked about whether Trump could do anything to improve the situation, “I don’t know, like, members of the press, what the fuck?”
The Democratic presidential candidate also repeatedly slammed the lack of action on gun control as “fucked up” after this weekend’s mass shooting in Odessa, Texas.The Democratic presidential candidate also repeatedly slammed the lack of action on gun control as “fucked up” after this weekend’s mass shooting in Odessa, Texas.
But O’Rourke has backed up the rhetoric with policy. His campaign has gone further than most of his opponents by proposing a mandatory gun buyback program for assault weapons.But O’Rourke has backed up the rhetoric with policy. His campaign has gone further than most of his opponents by proposing a mandatory gun buyback program for assault weapons.
Steve Bullock, the governor of Montana and a Democratic presidential candidate, cited the latest news about the Odessa shooter as evidence of the need to expand background checks.Steve Bullock, the governor of Montana and a Democratic presidential candidate, cited the latest news about the Odessa shooter as evidence of the need to expand background checks.
I'm the Governor of a red state. I hunt. Real hunters support background checks. https://t.co/h4JBRhfDeOI'm the Governor of a red state. I hunt. Real hunters support background checks. https://t.co/h4JBRhfDeO
Bullock, who is in his second term as governor, has repeatedly relied on his red-state credentials to argue that he knows better than any of his opponents how to defeat Trump.Bullock, who is in his second term as governor, has repeatedly relied on his red-state credentials to argue that he knows better than any of his opponents how to defeat Trump.
But that argument does not appear to be particularly resonating with the Democratic electorate. Bullock failed to qualify for the third debate and has not hit either the polling or donor requirements to participate in the next one.But that argument does not appear to be particularly resonating with the Democratic electorate. Bullock failed to qualify for the third debate and has not hit either the polling or donor requirements to participate in the next one.
As more reactions to Walmart’s decision roll in, new details are simultaneously emerging about how the Odessa shooter obtained his gun.As more reactions to Walmart’s decision roll in, new details are simultaneously emerging about how the Odessa shooter obtained his gun.
The Saturday attack in Texas claimed the lives of seven people, but those deaths could have been prevented if not for a legal loophole that enforces lower restrictions for private gun sales.The Saturday attack in Texas claimed the lives of seven people, but those deaths could have been prevented if not for a legal loophole that enforces lower restrictions for private gun sales.
ABC News reports:ABC News reports:
Authorities stated the suspect, Seth Ator, was considered a ‘prohibited person’ barred by law from purchasing or possessing a firearm because he was diagnosed as being mentally ill. It was further confirmed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who said the shooter failed a background check.Authorities stated the suspect, Seth Ator, was considered a ‘prohibited person’ barred by law from purchasing or possessing a firearm because he was diagnosed as being mentally ill. It was further confirmed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who said the shooter failed a background check.
According to federal and state sources, the private sale loophole allows the sale or purchase of any kind of weapon, including handguns and automatic rifles. The seller may not sell a weapon if he or she knows the buyer is flagged, but is under no obligation to do a background check or ask about the buyer’s status.According to federal and state sources, the private sale loophole allows the sale or purchase of any kind of weapon, including handguns and automatic rifles. The seller may not sell a weapon if he or she knows the buyer is flagged, but is under no obligation to do a background check or ask about the buyer’s status.
One of the bills passed by the Democratic-controlled House would close this loophole by making all gun sales subject to background checks. But Trump has said he would veto that bill, and Mitch McConnell refuses to take up any gun legislation without the president’s support.One of the bills passed by the Democratic-controlled House would close this loophole by making all gun sales subject to background checks. But Trump has said he would veto that bill, and Mitch McConnell refuses to take up any gun legislation without the president’s support.
The most powerful gun lobbying organization has responded to Walmart’s decision to end the sale of handguns and certain kinds of ammo. Spoiler alert: the group is not pleased.The most powerful gun lobbying organization has responded to Walmart’s decision to end the sale of handguns and certain kinds of ammo. Spoiler alert: the group is not pleased.
“The strongest defense of freedom has always been our free-market economy. It is shameful to see Walmart succumb to the pressure of the anti-gun elites,” the National Rifle Association said in a statement. “Lines at Walmart will soon be replaced by lines at other retailers who are more supportive of America’s fundamental freedoms.” But other major chains, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, have also pulled back on their gun sales in the wake of mass shootings.“The strongest defense of freedom has always been our free-market economy. It is shameful to see Walmart succumb to the pressure of the anti-gun elites,” the National Rifle Association said in a statement. “Lines at Walmart will soon be replaced by lines at other retailers who are more supportive of America’s fundamental freedoms.” But other major chains, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, have also pulled back on their gun sales in the wake of mass shootings.
The NRA’s statement continued: “The truth is Walmart’s actions today will not make us any safer. Rather than place the blame on the criminal, Walmart has chosen to victimize law-abiding Americans. Our leaders must be willing to approach the problems of crime, violence and mental health with sincerity and honesty.”The NRA’s statement continued: “The truth is Walmart’s actions today will not make us any safer. Rather than place the blame on the criminal, Walmart has chosen to victimize law-abiding Americans. Our leaders must be willing to approach the problems of crime, violence and mental health with sincerity and honesty.”
The NRA similarly put out a statement in the wake of the El Paso and Dayton shootings expressing a desire to address “the root causes” of such violence, making it clear that they did not consider loose gun laws to be one of those “root causes.”The NRA similarly put out a statement in the wake of the El Paso and Dayton shootings expressing a desire to address “the root causes” of such violence, making it clear that they did not consider loose gun laws to be one of those “root causes.”
Democratic presidential candidates are using Walmart’s announcement that it will stop selling handguns and certain kinds of ammo as an opportunity to pressure Mitch McConnell on taking up gun bills.Democratic presidential candidates are using Walmart’s announcement that it will stop selling handguns and certain kinds of ammo as an opportunity to pressure Mitch McConnell on taking up gun bills.
I applaud the brave Walmart workers who called on the company to stop selling guns. This is a good step, but we still have a gun violence crisis. Mitch McConnell must stop his cowardice, stand up to the NRA and allow Congress to pass common sense gun safety legislation. https://t.co/zC0mZqKdtqI applaud the brave Walmart workers who called on the company to stop selling guns. This is a good step, but we still have a gun violence crisis. Mitch McConnell must stop his cowardice, stand up to the NRA and allow Congress to pass common sense gun safety legislation. https://t.co/zC0mZqKdtq
First @Walmart, next @senatemajldr?We must keep up the pressure, defeat the corporate gun lobby and enact common sense gun safety legislation.Thank you @AMarch4OurLives, @MomsDemand, and @GiffordsCourage for making this progress possible. https://t.co/bTuk6m0CEKFirst @Walmart, next @senatemajldr?We must keep up the pressure, defeat the corporate gun lobby and enact common sense gun safety legislation.Thank you @AMarch4OurLives, @MomsDemand, and @GiffordsCourage for making this progress possible. https://t.co/bTuk6m0CEK
But in a radio interview earlier today, McConnell offered no commitment on considering gun control in the Senate. He told Hugh Hewitt that any bill would need to receive Trump’s pre-approval before it got a vote, which seems unlikely.But in a radio interview earlier today, McConnell offered no commitment on considering gun control in the Senate. He told Hugh Hewitt that any bill would need to receive Trump’s pre-approval before it got a vote, which seems unlikely.
“Well, we’re in a discussion about what to do on the gun issue in the wake of these horrendous shootings,” the Senate majority leader said. “I said several weeks ago that if the President took a position on a bill so that we knew we would actually be making a law and not just having serial votes, I’d be happy to put it on the floor.”“Well, we’re in a discussion about what to do on the gun issue in the wake of these horrendous shootings,” the Senate majority leader said. “I said several weeks ago that if the President took a position on a bill so that we knew we would actually be making a law and not just having serial votes, I’d be happy to put it on the floor.”
Another Democratic presidential candidate, Elizabeth Warren, has weighed in on Walmart’s decision to end the sale of handguns and certain kinds of ammunition.Another Democratic presidential candidate, Elizabeth Warren, has weighed in on Walmart’s decision to end the sale of handguns and certain kinds of ammunition.
But the Massachusetts senator scolded Walmart for not doing more, adding that similar corporate decisions would not be enough on its own to significantly reduce gun violence.But the Massachusetts senator scolded Walmart for not doing more, adding that similar corporate decisions would not be enough on its own to significantly reduce gun violence.
This is a good start—but it's not nearly enough. Walmart can and should do much more. And we need real gun reform, now. https://t.co/3gAZZ5ZxOKThis is a good start—but it's not nearly enough. Walmart can and should do much more. And we need real gun reform, now. https://t.co/3gAZZ5ZxOK
The comments echoed those of her opponent, Beto O’Rourke, who said Walmart’s decision was merely “a step in the right direction.”The comments echoed those of her opponent, Beto O’Rourke, who said Walmart’s decision was merely “a step in the right direction.”