CNN sues Trump administration over freedom of the press
CNN reporter Jim Acosta was barred from White House press conferences on Nov. 13 after asking a question about President Trump’s comments on the migrant caravan in a Nov. 7 press conference. CNN filed a lawsuit in the Federal District Court, arguing that “the removal of Mr. Acosta’s White House press pass constituted a violation of his First Amendment rights to freely report on the government. CNN also asserted that the administration had violated Mr. Acosta’s due process rights guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment when it revoked his credentials without warning,” according to the New York Times.
Wildfires in California
The Camp Fire in northern California is the deadliest forest fire in the state’s history, causing the deaths of 48 people, as of Wednesday. The fire started on Nov. 8 in Butte County and has destroyed 135,000 acres. The fire completely destroyed the town of Paradise, CA. As of Wednesday Nov. 14, the fire is still not fully contained. A representative from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said, “Last night [Nov. 13] firefighters continued to hold established containment lines. Today firefighters will provide structure defense and continue to strengthen and improve existing control lines.”
First Lady calls for deputy national security adviser’s termination
Melania Trump is calling for the termination of Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security adviser. In a public statement the first lady’s office said that Ricardel, “No longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House.” Trump has said in a previous interview with ABC, that she does not trust some of the White House staff members. Ricardel has been accused by a White House official of dishonesty regarding her feud with Trump and of leaking information “To cover her behavior.” According to CNN, Ricardel and the first lady were rumored to have clashed about a trip to Africa.
Palm Beach county voting machines overheat in the midst of recount
The state of Florida is currently recounting the ballots of the 2018 midterm elections. Palm Beach county has reported technical difficulties. According to the Associated Press, “Supervisor Susan Bucher said Tuesday night that the 11-year-old machines began having problems on Monday as early voting ballots were being counted.” By Tuesday Nov. 13, the machines data was found to be incorrect. Palm Beach County had approximately 600,000 ballots cast. Circuit Judge Karen Gievers issued an extension on the recount until Nov. 20.
