National

House Homeland Security Committee member Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, questions witnesses during a hearing Thursday on threats to the United States.

Lawmakers Tussle Over Role Of Extremists In Protest-Related Violence

1:42pm September 17, 2020

by Philip Ewing

The debate in Thursday's House Homeland Security Committee hearing mirrored a broader national political argument over the demonstrations that followed the police killing of George Floyd this year.

An aerial photo shows mass flooding in West Pensacola near the Bayou Grove and Mulworth neighborhoods in Florida. The area was hit hard by Hurricane Sally, which continues to cause flooding threats.

National

Sally Brings 'Widespread' Flash Floods To Inland Areas After Causing Havoc On Coast

12:07pm September 17, 2020

by Bill Chappell

"Widespread flash flooding and minor to moderate river flooding is likely" in parts of Georgia and South Carolina, forecasters say. They're tracking a new potential storm in the Gulf of Mexico.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies before a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Thursday.

Wray: Russian Interference Heavy On Agitation, Less So State Cyberattacks

12:01pm September 17, 2020

by Philip Ewing

FBI Director Christopher Wray says that Russian influence-mongers are trying to agitate the body politic in the same way they did in 2016, but not attacking state election systems in the same way.

Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., at a hearing on July 22. He was not pleased with the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday.

Secretary Wolf's Absence From Hearing Should 'Appall' Congress, Panel Chairman Says

11:40am September 17, 2020

by Philip Ewing

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., says that in failing to appear in response to a House subpoena, acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf has expressed a dangerous contempt for congressional oversight.

Workers with disabilities can be paid less than minimum wage. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights says that has trapped workers in "exploitative and discriminatory" job programs.

Workers With Disabilities Can Earn Just $3.34 An Hour. Agency Says Law Needs Change

11:12am September 17, 2020

by Alina Selyukh

A 1938 law created "exploitative and discriminatory" job programs and should be phased out, marking a new milestone in the debate over "sheltered workshops," the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights says.

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FBI Director Christopher Wray arrives for a hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

Wray Touts Feds' Often-And-Early Strategy To Thwart Disinformation

10:28am September 17, 2020

by Philip Ewing

The FBI director told members of Congress the bureau wants to act quickly with Big Tech companies to root out and clear disinformation efforts so they don't take hold and develop momentum.

Police stand guard as protesters take to the streets on Sept. 4 in Portland, Ore.

Greatest Domestic Threat Is Lone Actors Self-Radicalizing Online, Wray Says

10:16am September 17, 2020

by Ryan Lucas

FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress that terrorism dangers in the United States have evolved from those with foreign plotters abroad to those involving homegrown extremists.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, pictured on Aug. 6, did not appear at a House threats hearing on Thursday despite a subpoena for his appearance.

Without DHS Witnesses In Hearing, Whistleblower Claims Likely Go Unaddressed

10:02am September 17, 2020

by Philip Ewing

Members of Congress have no one to ask in Thursday's hearing about reports of mistreatment against ICE detainees and an alleged push to alter intelligence.

National

Wis. Law Requires Investigation Before Officer Can Be Charged In Shooting

9:00am September 17, 2020

by Corinne Hess

It's almost a month since Jacob Blake was shot by a police officer in Kenosha, Wis. As the community seeks answers, the officer has not yet been charged with a crime.

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Earlier this year, Monster City Studios, a company that normally makes amusement park and movie props, pivoted to manufacturing MCS face shields with forehead protection. It was one of many small companies to make the switch.

Why Can't America Make Enough N95 Masks? 6 Months Into Pandemic, Shortages Persist

8:25am September 17, 2020

by Joel Rose

There's just not enough PPE to satisfy demand. Medics are re-using masks and small practices can't even find supplies they can afford. Some domestic manufacturers could help, but it's a risky move.

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