Monthly Archives: October 2019

Top to bottom: USS Indianapolis (LCS-17), Virginia-submarine Delaware (SSN-791) and American-class Tripoli (LHA-7)

A Virginia-class submarine, the second America-class amphibious warship and a Littoral Combat Ship marked significant production milestones last weekendm the service annouced.

On Friday, the Navy accepted delivery of the future fast attack submarine, USS Delaware (SSN-791), the eighth and final Virginia-class Block III submarine being built. Delawares commissioning is scheduled for April 4, 2020.

The Block III Virginia-class submarines, when compared to the Block I and Block II subs, 12 individual vertical launch tubes with two large-diameter Virginia Payload Tubes that each can launch six Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to Naval Sea Systems Command. The Block III submarines also have a water-backed large-aperture bow sonar array in places of the traditional air-backed spherical array.

Delawares delivery marks the culmination of millions of man-hours of work by thousands of people across this country to bring the worlds foremost undersea asset to the fleet, said a statement from Capt. Christopher Hanson, the Virginia-Class Submarine program manager. This next-generation attack submarine provides the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nations undersea superiority.

In Pascagoula, Miss., the future amphibious warship Tripoli (LHA-7) completed acceptance trials, NAVSEA announced. Tripoli is the second ship in the America-class built without a well deck, and instead has an enlarged hangar deck and realigned and expanded aviation maintenance facilities.

The capability that our large deck amphibs bring to the fight is tremendous, said a statement from Tom Rivers, the amphibious warfare program manager for Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. Their ability to embark Joint Strike Fighters and MV-22 Osprey enable this versatile platform to increase the lethality of our expeditionary warfighters.

The Navy expected Tripoli to join the fleet this fall. However, the shipbuilder, Huntington Ingalls Industries pushed back its delivery while it fixed some technical design issues, USNI News previously reported.

Theres been a lot of hard work accomplished to get LHA-7 to this point, said a statement from Capt. Nathan Schneider, the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair Gulf Coast. The teams focus is now on delivering the LHA-7 to the fleet in the best possible condition, fully capable and ready to deploy if called upon.

On Saturday, the Navy commissioned USS Indianapolis (LCS-17), a Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship, at a ceremony at Burns Harbor, Ind., at the southern end of Lake Michigan. Freedom-variants are built at the northern end of Lake Michigan at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin

The crew gives the ship its own personality and warfighting spirit. The men and women of USS Indianapolis exemplify patriotism, grit, and what this great country of ours stands for, said Cmdr. Colin Kane, the commanding officer of Indianapolis in a statement. I am extremely proud to have all of [the USS Indianapolis crew] as shipmates.

Related

Original post:

Navy Marks Progress on Three New Warship Hulls - USNI News

All Republicans in Alabamas U.S. House of Representatives delegation on Thursday voted against a resolution formally opening an impeachment inquiry into President Donald J. Trump, while Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) supported the measure.

H. Res. 660 passed on a 232-196 vote. No Republicans supported the resolution, while two Democrats voted nay.

Reactions poured in afterward from Alabama congressmen, who criticized both the substance and process surrounding the impeachment inquiry.

While Republicans prior to this resolution have largely criticized the process as secretive, they now argue that the newly formalized process institutionalizes an inequitable, one-sided inquiry ensuring the minority party has no real input or rights.

1665

In a statement, Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-01) said,Since starting their impeachment scheme, Democrats have tried to manufacture a case against President Trump despite having no evidence of an impeachable offense. Theyve been playing a shameful game of political keep away in the basement of the Capitol to keep Americans in the dark. Today Democrats doubled down on their illegitimate smear job.

This is a sad day for our country, but the facts are in our favor and cannot be hidden from the American people forever. Until then, I will not stop fighting to expose and defeat this politically motivated sham, he added.

Byrne made national headlines last week when he and a group of conservative Republicans, including Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05), stormed into the secure basement room in which Congressman Adam Schiffs (D-CA) committee was holding an impeachment hearing. Byrne returned to the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) on Wednesday of this week in an attempt to review transcripts and records from the Democrats impeachment hearings but was denied access.

After the vote on Thursday, Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03) stated, I am proud to stand with President Trump and fight against the Democrats witch hunt. This sham is nothing more than an attempted coup.

Adam Schiffs investigation is based solely on lies and leaks, he continued. They have never accepted the fact the Donald Trump was elected president fair and square. House Democrats should be ashamed of themselves.

Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released a written statement and a video bashing the impeachment efforts.

He slammed Democrats and took an implicit jab at The Washington Post in the process.

Aderholts full statement as follows:

The Democrats have now made official, what they have been wanting to do since January 20, 2017 and that is try and overturn the 2016 election. Impeachment has been their only agenda since President Trump was elected, and theyve spent the last 10 months since they took over the House trying to find a way to do so.

I voted no! While Congress does have the CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY to impeach a President, it was meant to only be used as a response to actual crimes committed by a President. So far, in what little information the Democrats have selectively leaked, Ive seen nothing that rises to the level of overturning an American election.

Since the election three years ago, a national newspapers tag line has been Democracy Dies in Darkness. Its too bad that our Democracy is dying in the darkness of this impeachment process. The process passed by Democrats reverses procedures used in the Nixon and Clinton impeachment investigations. For those two investigations, the Presidents staff could examine evidence, ask questions of witnesses and attend hearings. Members of Congress from the Minority Party could issue subpoenas without the Chairmans permission. Even with todays vote, the Democrat impeachment process keeps the investigation behind closed doors for at least the next few weeks. This is wrong.

Its time for Democratic leadership to accept that the Russians did not cause Hillary Clinton to lose, but that the voters simply chose Donald Trump over the prospects of granting a Clinton four more years in the White House.

The American people elected us here to work for themto negotiate deals that improve trade, drug pricing, healthcare, infrastructure and aim to fix some of the biggest issues we face as a country. It seems that Democratic leadership would rather waste more even more time and taxpayer dollars on yet another pointless investigation that does nothing to answer the problems we were elected here to fix.

Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) used some Halloween puns to make his point in a press released headlined, Befitting Halloween, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Her Coven Declare Open Season on Donald Trump Witch Hunt! Mo Brooks & the Good People of Oz Oppose.

The North Alabama congressman also tweeted out a picture of what appears to be former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton photoshopped as a witch.

Brooks full statement as follows:

For years, Socialist Democrats successfully manipulated and fooled the American people with a Russian Collusion Hoax that helped Socialists win the House of Representatives. Not to be deterred by having been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, Socialist Democrats are implementing Russian Collusion Hoax 2.0, an effort to again manipulate and fool the American people with a hyper-partisan, false, Trump impeachment narrative that, to date, is wholly lacking in evidentiary substance and legal support.

To date, Socialist Democrats have produced ZERO credible evidence that President Trump committed a high crime, misdemeanor, treason, or briberythe Constitutional impeachment standard. Rather, Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff have abused their power by holding secret, sham proceedings in the Capitol basement while selectively and illegally leaking one-sided information designed to deceive the American people into believing the worst Fake News allegations against President Trump. Frankly, this process is so appalling as to constitute a very real threat to our Constitutional Republic. Trashing the votes of more than 60 million Americans is no small matter yet that is exactly the blood-lust of Socialist Democrats.

H.Res. 660 is badly flawed. First, the resolution enshrines tainted evidence obtained in secret in the official record. Because of the badly flawed process used, all evidence obtained to date in these Star Chamber proceedings is so badly tainted that it should be discarded as fruits of the poisonous tree. None of this evidence would ever see the light of day in a court of law where how evidence is obtained is also important. Every witness who has testified in Schiffs secretive basement proceedings should be called again to testify in front of the American people.

Secondly, the flawed resolution gives Adam Schiff the authority to veto and prevent any Republican from calling any witness to rebut the Socialist Democrats false narrative. This process flies in the face of the Constitutions Bill of Rights and long-standing due process rights and past judicial orders. In contrast, impeachment proceedings for both Nixon and Clinton, the accused and the minority party had the absolute right to call witnesses without majority party authorization. Socialist Democrats should respect past, bipartisan processes often used and long-respected in matters of such grave importance.

Keep in mind, there is a significant opportunity cost to this impeachment. None of the American peoples legislative priorities are being addressed. A tsunami of illegal aliens continues to swamp Americas southern border, at great cost to taxpayers and lost American lives. Americas deficit ballooned to $984 billion this past year, yet there is zero talk in Congress about reigning these deficits in or preventing a debilitating national insolvency and bankruptcy that risks American prosperity and lives. Nationally, economic growth has slowed substantially as impeachment overshadows economic issues. Substantive committee hearings on major issues facing America have declined almost to a standstill, leaving much needed work undone. For example, both the National Defense Authorization Act and federal government funding for the rest of this fiscal year languish while all eyes focus on this impeachment soap opera. Such is the state of Washington politics under Socialist Democrat majority tenure in the House. Its not just a real shame, it is a dangerous tragedy that threatens America.

By trying to impeach President Trump at all costs, Socialist Democrats show their disdain for more than 60 million Americans who voted for Donald Trump in 2016. Americas Founding Fathers meant for impeachment to be reserved only for the most serious offenses. Impeachment rips apart America by ripping apart American votes. Its a travesty that Socialist Democrats are proceeding with this impeachment despite ZERO evidence of an impeachable offense. Socialist Democrats ought to be ashamed.

In a statement, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) said the impeachment inquiry resolution was long overdue, yet still unjust.

This resolution has finally come after many weeks of an already defunct process, a clear attempt to save political face, he noted.

Nothing in this impeachment inquiry thus far has met the threshold required for the serious charge of impeachment, Palmer outlined. The Constitution says a president may be impeached for treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors. The investigation into President Trump has been centered around a phone call with President Zelensky of Ukraine, but the call transcript, which I have read, and Zelensky himself have both confirmed that President Trump has not committed a crime or abused his power. Zelensky has said that President Trump did not bribe or insist on any quid pro quo.

Palmer concluded, Aside from clear lack of evidence, the buildup to this point is so flawed that justice has been made virtually impossible. Democrats have held meetings in secret, have withheld transcripts of witness testimonies, and have leaked only the evidence that fits their narrative. They have done their best to construct a biased picture of the president in view of unseating him, regardless of the actual facts. And now they ask the American people to trust them to be fair for holding an official vote, something they should have done weeks ago. At this point, no vote can cure the injury inflicted upon the reputation of the Congress by this Democrat conceived and executed conspiracy against President Trump. We must acknowledge the process for what it is, an unjust and partisan attempt to remove a duly elected president by going against precedent, due process, and justice.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Read the original here:

Ivey: 'Progress is what we've gotten from President Trump' - Yellowhammer News

The Likud is not prepared to have a serious discussion on the basic guidelines of a unity government, Kahol Lavan leader Benny Gantz told a meeting of his party on Monday, following talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.

Gantz also met on Monday with Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman, who described the meeting as a good one that focused on security issues, Jewish settlement in the West Bank and Iran. Kahol Lavan added that the meeting with Lieberman also addressed the budget, possible political scenarios and a range of other issues.

Haaretz Weekly Ep. 45Haaretz

Following the meeting with Netanyahu, Gantz said they discussed security and the budget deficit, but also the key issues of immunity for the prime minister and the possibility of performing public service while under indictment, Gantz said.

He added that he would continue to work toward forging a unity government and accused the Likud of insisting on negotiating on behalf of the entire right-wing bloc, which the Kahol Lavan leader dubbed an immunity bloc.

Yair Lapid, the No. 2 on the Kahol Lavan roster, said at the party meeting that a government cant be created in the space of 48 hours, and that all Netanyahu had to agree to was to be second in the rotation i.e., to agree that Gantz serve as prime minister first, then Netanyahu. But what Netanyahu wants is a third election, Lapid said.

Thats what his lawyers suggested to him, thats what he needs because of the indictments, Lapid said. Netanyahu didnt try to build a government. I know what negotiations to build a government look like. I have seen Netanyahu, I was with him in the room when he really wanted to establish a government. He knew how its done. [This time] He didnt put any proposals on the table: He insisted on [Yakov] Litzman and [Bezalel] Smotrich. He insisted on being prime minister first in the rotation. He did everything to ensure it wouldnt work. In his former role as the finance minister, Lapid served under a Netanyahu government.

Lieberman also told his party that Netanyahu wants another election which would be the third this year. Hes playing a blame game. He talks about unity and is leading us to early elections, Lieberman said. We can only hope that despite everything, we achieve a broad liberal unity government. It would be irresponsible to impose another half-year of paralysis to the nation, he added.

We've got more newsletters we think you'll find interesting.

Please try again later.

The email address you have provided is already registered.

Lieberman vowed that Yisrael Beiteinu would not join a narrow right-wing government and added that Netanyahu cant continue negotiating on behalf of a right-wing bloc, and also insist on being first in the rotation.

One of Kahol Lavans demands in negotiating a unity government with Likud is that Netanyahu disassemble the right-wing bloc he himself established, and speak on behalf of his party alone. Another dispute is who will be prime minister first in a rotation deal, Netanyahu or Gantz. Kahol Lavan points out that it got more seats in the second election this year and is the biggest party in the Knesset.

See more here:

Gantz says no progress achieved in talks on unity government with Netanyahu's Likud - Haaretz

What recession?

Topline: A flurry of good news from trade negotiations, strong company earnings and a widely expected Federal Reserve rate cut have all added extra firepower to the stock market, with the S&P 500 now hitting a new all-time high.

Surprising fact: The S&P 500 hitting a new all-time high is historically a pretty bullish signal for the U.S. stock market: Over the previous 32 times that the index has done so, the S&P averaged a subsequent gain over the next six months to a year, according to data from Bespoke Investment Group.

Crucial quote: Optimism is hitting investors from all directions, says Charlie Ripley, senior investment strategist at Allianz Investment Management. We have a supportive Fed who is widely expected to provide additional stimulus to the economy.

Key background: After the S&P 500 set its previous record high in July, the index took a hit in August amid renewed fears of a recession and global economic slowdown, dropping 1.8%. After struggling in September, the S&P has rebounded strongly in October, despite it being a historically volatile month for the markets.

S&P 500 returns since August.

Read more from the original source:

S&P 500 Hits Record High, Boosted By Trade Progress And Strong Earnings - Forbes

RICHMOND, Va. With the history the Richmond Kickers bring, there was little question the clubs current vacancy at Head Coach would be one that generated plenty of interest, but General Manager Matt Spear has still been very happy with the progress the search has made since the club parted ways with David Bulow earlier this month.

We have beenintrigued by the quality and the quantity of coaches who have applied for the position so far, Spear told BGN.fms Nathan Reynolds. We are very close to determining our finalists and want to make the decision soon. But we have to keep in mind that the USL Championship regular season recently concluded, and the playoffs are still on-going. As that ends, it could trigger dominoes that impact our search.

Whoever does become the eighth Head Coach in the Kickers history will be tasked with leading the side back to winning ways in the 2020 USL League One season. After reaching the postseason in 13 consecutive seasons under former Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw through the 2016 campaign, Richmond has missed out on the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.

While thats the case, Spear doesnt believe there will be a major roster overhaul this offseason.

In the 2019 roster, we had great people and who had a high work effort, but we underachieved. The product on the field next season needs to be more attacking and exciting, Spear told Reynolds. [We] want to highlight homegrown talent, players looking to jump-start their careers after injuries like Joe Gallardo, and local college players like we had with Eli Lockaby this season. But we will also have a few older veterans too who help bring experience and leadership to the roster.

For more on the clubs offseason plans and coaching search, read the full interview on the Beautiful Game Networks site.

Continued here:

Kickers' Spear Pleased with Progress on Coaching Search - USL League One

Coach Matt Nagy argued that theres plenty of time left in the season for quarterback Mitch Trubisky to play the way he wants him to. But the clock is ticking: The 3-4 Bears are in last place with nine games to play.

Youre talking about a kid that wants it really bad he really, truly cares, Nagy said Monday, a day after the Bears 17-16 loss to the Chargers. And I told you how I am and what Ive learned on how you need to be with quarterbacks. But at the same time, theres also an accountability. Theres that balance of, when is it time? And when do you want to start seeing that type of stuff?

And I think were getting close to that, and he knows that. When I say that, meaning, when theres opportunities to be made, we want to make those, and he wants to make them. But weve just gotta do it. But its the world we live in right now. People want it now.

In Kansas City, Nagy had the luxury of installing Alex Smith an eight-year veteran to run an offensive scheme that he said does take a little time to master. Trubisky has 32 NFL starts. He has 20 in Nagys system and counting Nagy confirmed hell stick with Trubisky over backup Chase Daniel.

And then you take his college experience, high school experience, Nagy said of Trubisky, who started for only one year at North Carolina. It can be challenging. We know where were at, and we want it for him. He wants it for us. But its who we are right now. Its where were at, and were just going to stay positive.

Trubisky went 23-for-35 for 254 yards, was sacked four times and had a 75.1 passer rating. With a six-point lead, he twice turned the ball over in the fourth quarter in his half of the field an interception thrown toward tight end Trey Burton, then, amazingly, a fumble when he wasnt touched by the opponent. The latter led to the Chargers go-ahead touchdown.

The Bears seemed to stumble upon an offensive identity, though it had little to do with Trubisky. David Montgomery ran 27 times for 135 yards, both career highs. His 55-yard run was the Bears longest since Jordan Howard gained 69 on Halloween in 2016.

As a unit right now, we didnt get the win, but we felt there was definitely an improvement, Nagy said.

Nagy held on to index cards, remnants of his film review earlier in the morning. There were plenty of plays highlighted in yellow for good throws that Trubisky made. Nagy thought a 16-yard pass to Burton in the fourth quarter was special. He was impressed with Trubisky leading the Bears down the field with his passes and an 11-yard scramble to set up the 41-yard field goal that ultimately failed.

He was better than the week before but made far too many mistakes. About five minutes into the fourth quarter, Trubisky had the teams fastest player, Taylor Gabriel, running free down the field, chased by 36-year-old linebacker Thomas Davis.

Trubisky overthrew him, then fumbled on the next play.

Those are the type of plays man, its 16-10, you hit that touchdown, after the way our defense is playing, and its close to being the dagger, Nagy said. And we didnt, we didnt hit.

He truly missed that one. He knew it right away. We all knew it. Well talk about it, and well try to hit it next time.

If Trubisky doesnt, hell eventually start running out of next times.

Follow this link:

Bears stick with Mitch Trubisky at starter but need to see progress - Chicago Sun-Times

News

Despite what had happened, three weeks later and Abel is doing things doctors didn't think he could do.

3-year-old Abel was much like other kids his age, but his young life took a turn for the worst.

He was in a medically induced coma for several days. His parents did not know if he would be able to see or use his arms.

"Initially it was terrifying, you always think that things like this won't happen to you," Abel's dad, Jim Leach said.

Lincoln police charged 24-year-old Allen K. Anderson with felony child abuse. Court documents say the little boy suffered a serious head injury while in his care.

Despite what had happened, three weeks later and Abel is doing things doctors didn't think he could do.

"When you don't think that your child is going to do things they use to do and then you see them work harder than you've ever worked in your life and do things that like I said you don't expect, there really isn't a word I can come up with that justifies the amount of joy I felt," Leach said.

Leachwas told rehab could take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months so he packed his bags and moved from Grand Island to Lincoln. He wanted to be by Abel's side, every step of the way.

"It may not seem like staying at a rehab place is exhausting but it is, but when you see him smile and hear his voice and see what he does every day, there is no way I would leave," Leach said.

"I've had messages from people who have Cancer and say they watch videos every day and it gives them hope and it's become so much bigger than just my son now. He's become something that people find hope in and something that people can follow and feel good about."

Headlines

More:

Father shares story of 3-year-old son's progress after serious brain injury - KLKN

BETHEL ISLAND (CBS SF) Several wind-whipped wildfires erupted early Sunday morning on Bethel Island, near Oakley in rural Contra Costa County and in Clayton, one which triggered the evacuation of residents of a mobile home park and a neighborhood, fire officials said.

Evacuation orders for both the Summerlake fire and the Knightsen Avenue fire were later lifted and East Cypress Road was set to reopen for residents to return home

Officers will be doing a controlled re-population for residents of the Summerlake neighborhood at the intersection of Bethel Island Road and East Cypress Road, the Oakley police department said in a message.

Residents should not call 911 unless there is a life-threatening emergency, officials said.

The East Contra Costa Fire Department said the blaze burned near 3505 Gateway Blvd. Winds were clocked at 52 mph in the area.

A fire department spokesman said the fire was first reported at 3:08 a.m. near a trailer and a PG&E power pole. Crews saw the flames as they approached the scene, describing it as a football field sized blaze.

An unknown number of structures were threatened in the Santiago Mobile Home Park, which was evacuated. Gateway Boulevard was closed near the adjacent gas station.

Around 5:45 a.m., crews responded to a second fire near E. Cypress Road and Knightsen Avenue in Oakley. East Contra Costa County Fire said three units and a strike team were on scene, with a call for an additional strike team.

Shortly before 6:30 a.m., additional evacuations were ordered for the Summer Lake neighborhood and the area of Knightsen Avenue and Delta Road. Residents between Cypress Road and Delta Road and west of Sellars Avenue were being evacuated. Authorities were being ordered to leave and go south towards Delta Road and then west towards Brentwood Boulevard.

The Oakley Recreation Center located at 1250 OHara Avenue was used as an evacuation center.

By 7:45 a.m. East Contra Costa Fire officials said crews had stopped forward progress on all three fires reported in the Oakley and Bethel Island areas. No structures damaged but one horse was killed.

Officials reported another fire near in the Clayton area that crews were responding to with a moderate structure threat but resources were on scene.

Despite that, some Clayton residents were being told to evacuate the area of Leon Court, Leon Drive and Leon Way.

By shortly after 9:30 a.m., all evacuation orders had been lifted and the forward progress of the fire in Clayton had been stopped.

Original post:

Wind-Whipped Fires Scorch Areas Of Bethel Island, Oakley, Clayton - CBS San Francisco

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- As the Cleveland Cavaliers wrapped up Wednesdays shootaround at Cleveland Clinic Courts, sidelined rookie Dylan Windler stayed a little longer to take part in some light spot-shooting work.

According to sources, Windler is progressing and has started to see more on-court activity recently.

Theres still no official word on Windlers return date. The Cavs are going to continue to be cautious. Windler was originally estimated to be sidelined 4-6 weeks because of a stress reaction in his left leg that caused him to miss all of training camp, the preseason and the first three games of 2019-20. The one-month mark just passed a few days ago. If the injury takes him all the way to six weeks then his debut would be Nov. 8 -- a night the Cavs are in the nations capital to play the Washington Wizards.

Head coach John Beilein admitted that hes already started envisioning Windler in his rotation.

A lot of it is involved with KP (Kevin Porter Jr.) and how hes playing," Beilein said. "Its going to be a good day when he gets back in there because we really can stretch the floor. Hes a low-maintenance player. He just moves the ball. That will be natural. What you saw the other day (versus Indiana), he will do that all the time. But, boy, does he give guys space.

Windler was the lone member of Clevelands 2019 draft class to play in summer league. Thats where he showed off his shooting prowess, which the Cavs raved about all off-season. According to sources, he had a great summer, buying into the development program immediately, getting stronger, eating right, constantly working on his shooting and putting himself in position to be Cedi Osmans primary backup at small forward before injury.

The 26th pick last June believes he pushed himself too hard without enough recovery time. Thats what led to the flareup. He learned from that and has been going about his rehab in a smart, patient way.

On Wednesday, Windlers first round of shooting came alongside trainer Steve Spiro, who rebounded and monitored Windler the whole time. After going through that without issue, Windler moved over to a different hoop, taking part in some drills with director of player development Mike Gerrity.

Get Cavs Insider texts in your phone from Chris Fedor: Cut through the clutter of social media and communicate directly with one of the NBAs best beat reporters -- just like you would with your friends. Its just $3.99 a month, which works out to about 13 cents a day. Learn more and sign up here.

Here is the original post:

Dylan Windler making progress toward return: Its going to be a good day when he gets back in there - cleveland.com

The debate on the floor of the House on Thursday revealed the wide gap between Republicans and Democrats on the necessity of the inquiry.

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic House speaker, spoke standing next toanAmerican flag as she urged her colleagues to vote to move forward with the impeachment process.

"What is at stake in all of this is nothing less than our democracy. I proudly stand next to the flag, Ms Pelosi said. "So many have fought and died for this flag, which stands for our democracy.

Ms Pelosi, along with many of her Democratic colleagues, said that she took no glee or comfort from impeachment, framing the inquiry vote as a solemn occasion which amounted to protecting the US Constitution.

Other Democrat House members argued there was evidence that Mr Trump has committed impeachable offences and urged others to consider what people would say in 100 years time if they voted to block the inquiry.

Read the original:

House of Representatives votes to progress Donald Trump impeachment inquiry in historic moment - The Telegraph