THREAD: hurricanes threaten billion georgia elections

REPUBLICANS TRIUMPH: KEY Pennsylvania Seat Flipped

07 November 2024 — Rob Bresnahan flipped Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, unseating Democrat Matt Cartwright, who held the seat since 2013. The race was tight, with Bresnahan winning by about 7,000 votes. A bomb threat in Luzerne County added to the election night tension.

Bresnahan credited his grassroots campaign for the win. “We shook every hand,” he said, showing his commitment to engaging voters directly instead of relying on media ads. His team logged over 50,000 miles on their pickup truck during the campaign.

Host Mike Slater highlighted this win’s importance in Scranton, a traditionally Democratic area linked with President Joe Biden. This victory aids Republican efforts to keep control of the House amid ongoing battles nationwide.

Bresnahan had marked this race as vital for securing a Republican majority in the House. He noted that capturing Pennsylvania’s 8th District was crucial for GOP success and expressed satisfaction with reaching that goal through dedicated campaigning efforts.

TRUMP And HARRIS Neck-And-Neck: What’s Behind the Poll Shocker?

15 October 2024 — Recent polls show a tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with both candidates nearly tied. Just last month, Harris was ahead in election and favorability ratings. Now, her lead is gone, sparking questions about why voters are changing their minds.

NBC’s Savannah Guthrie talked with analyst Steve Kornacki about this shift. He explained how Harris’s favorability ratings have reversed. Last month, she had a 48% positive rating compared to Trump’s steady numbers. Now her positive rating has fallen to 43%, while her negative rating jumped to 49%.

Kornacki noted that this change brings Harris’s ratings closer to Trump’s figures. He also mentioned an interesting twist about public views on Trump’s presidency. Recent polling shows that 44% of voters think Trump’s policies helped their families more than during his time in office.

HURRICANE MILTON’S Fury: Florida’s Heroic Rescue Efforts and Destruction

10 October 2024 — More than 3 million Floridians are without power as Hurricane MILTON wreaks havoc across the state. The storm hit near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving four dead in St. Lucie County due to tornadoes. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that over 48 people have been rescued so far, with more than 125 active rescue missions underway in 26 counties.

Milton has now moved off Florida’s east coast, downgraded to a Category 1 storm, but not before causing significant damage through destructive winds and flooding. The worst-hit areas include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. “The storm was significant,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the widespread impact but noting it was not the worst-case scenario.

Tampa Bay faced severe weather conditions with up to 18 inches of rainfall reported in some areas and a construction crane collapsing into an office building housing the Tampa Bay Times headquarters. The roof of Tropicana Field was also damaged by strong winds. Sarasota County experienced a substantial storm surge between eight and ten feet high.

Water levels are expected to rise along northeast and west-central Florida rivers over the next day or so, potentially reaching flood stages according to forecasts. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton’s impact on infrastructure and communities, rescue efforts continue

TEEN SHOOTER Kills Four in Georgia School Tragedy

05 September 2024 — A 14-year-old boy opened fire at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, killing four and wounding nine. The victims include two students and two teachers.

The shooter, armed with an assault-style rifle, targeted students in a hallway after being denied re-entry to his algebra class. He has been charged as an adult.

Nine injured individuals were taken to hospitals and are expected to survive. The teen will be held at a regional youth detention facility starting Thursday.

HURRICANE BERYL Slams Texas Coast with Deadly Force

08 July 2024 — Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Monday morning. The storm brought a dangerous surge and strong winds as it moved over land around 4 a.m. CST, according to the National Weather Service.

Beryl had strengthened back into a hurricane late Sunday, impacting southern Texas with rain and intensifying winds. Residents braced for the storm that had already caused destruction in Mexico and the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Center issued an advisory at 3 a.m. CST warning of imminent landfall within two hours. This powerful storm has prompted significant concern and preparations along the Texas coast.

BIDEN’S Border Chaos: Record Crossings Spark Outrage

30 June 2024 — President Biden’s border policy is facing intense scrutiny as illegal crossings hit record highs. Critics argue that the administration’s approach has led to chaos and insecurity at the southern border. Republican lawmakers are calling for immediate action to restore order.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed additional state resources to manage the surge. He stated, “The federal government’s failure leaves us no choice but to protect our own borders.” Local communities are feeling the strain, with many residents expressing concerns over safety and resources.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the administration’s strategy, claiming it aims for a “humane” approach. However, many believe this leniency only encourages more illegal immigration.

With midterm elections approaching, border security remains a hot-button issue. Republicans see this as an opportunity to highlight what they view as Biden’s failed policies and push for stricter enforcement measures.

GLOBAL Elections SHAKE-UP: Major Voter Impact in Coming Days

28 June 2024 — In the coming days, voters in countries like Mauritania, Mongolia, Iran, Britain, and France will head to the polls. These elections could significantly impact global politics amid ongoing conflicts and economic concerns.

Iran faces a critical election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seeks a successor among hard-liners Saeed Jalili and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and reformist Masoud Pezeshkian.

National elections this year are happening in over 50 countries with significant political changes in India, Mexico, and South Africa. Russia remains unchanged despite global shifts.

FARAGE BLASTS Sunak: Migrant Crisis Threatens Election

25 June 2024 — With just over a week until the July 4th general election, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces criticism for failing to “stop the boats.” Populist challenger Nigel Farage filmed 45 migrants in a small dinghy entering British waters, escorted by the Border Force. This brings the total crossings to over 13,000 for 2024 and marks 50,000 since Sunak took office in 2022.

Farage has labeled this year’s vote as the “migration election,” arguing that Sunak’s government has failed to control illegal immigration. “Rishi can’t stop the boats,” Farage declared, emphasizing that migrant numbers have surged under Sunak’s leadership. He pointed out that during Boris Johnson’s tenure, although longer, fewer migrants crossed into Britain.

“The significance of this boat is that this number on this vessel takes it beyond 50,000 since Rishi became Prime Minister,” Farage told GB News from the Channel. He warned viewers not to underestimate the severity of the situation as it continues to worsen. The ongoing crisis highlights a key issue for voters as they head to the polls next week.

DEMOCRATIC CHAOS in New Jersey Politics: What It Means for November

18 June 2024 — The indictment of Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III on racketeering charges marks a significant blow to New Jersey’s dominant political party. State Attorney General Matt Platkin accused Norcross of orchestrating tax benefits for entities he controlled, which Norcross vehemently denied. This comes amid ongoing federal bribery charges against Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, who has pleaded not guilty.

These legal troubles add to the turbulence in New Jersey politics just months before the November general election. Democrats are now scrambling to hold onto a U.S. Senate seat they didn’t expect to fight for, as their thin majority is already at risk. Republicans see new opportunities to gain a seat they haven’t held in over fifty years, buoyed by the chaos within the Democratic Party.

Some progressives view this upheaval as an overdue cleanup of New Jersey’s messy political landscape, long dominated by Democrats. Others draw parallels with national Republican dynamics, where establishment power has given way to populism championed by figures like former President Donald Trump. They see it as a potential shift towards restoring power to the people across the political spectrum.;

Biden’s BORDER Crisis: SHOCKING Numbers Reveal the Truth

10 June 2024 — The border crisis under President Biden is getting worse. New data shows a record number of illegal crossings. Many Americans are worried about the impact on our country’s safety and economy.

In August alone, over 200,000 illegal immigrants were caught crossing the southern border. This is a huge increase from previous months. Border Patrol agents are overwhelmed and struggling to keep up with the surge.

Critics say Biden’s policies are to blame for this crisis. They argue that his administration has been too lenient on immigration laws. This has encouraged more people to try and enter the U.S. illegally, putting strain on resources and communities near the border.

Supporters of stricter immigration laws believe that tougher measures are needed now more than ever. They call for stronger enforcement at the border and policies that discourage illegal crossings altogether. The situation remains tense as America watches how this issue will unfold in the coming months under Biden’s leadership.

DEADLY Houston STORMS Leave City in Ruins, Power Restoration Underway

20 May 2024 — Deadly storms ravaged Houston last week, leaving seven dead and causing widespread damage. Thunderstorms and hurricane-force winds destroyed businesses, uprooted trees, and shattered glass in downtown skyscrapers. A tornado also touched down near Cypress.

By Sunday evening, 88% of Houston area customers had power restored, according to CenterPoint Energy spokesperson Paul Lock. “We expect everyone to be back on by end of business Wednesday,” Lock stated. Over 289,000 homes and businesses in Texas remained without electricity Sunday evening.

More than 3,900 customers in Louisiana were also without power due to strong winds and a suspected tornado. CenterPoint Energy deployed 2,000 employees and over 5,000 contractors to restore power in the Houston area. Lynnae Wilson emphasized the urgency given the high temperatures: “Getting the lights and air conditioning back on is even more important.”

HOUSTON BATTLES Deadly Heat And Smog After Storms

19 May 2024 — Houston is working to restore power to hundreds of thousands after deadly storms left at least seven dead. The area faces a smog warning and scorching temperatures.

National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard forecasts highs around 90 degrees through the start of the week, with heat indexes approaching 100 degrees by midweek. “We expect the impact of the heat to gradually increase,” Chenard said.

The weather service warns residents not to overexert themselves during cleanup efforts. Poor air quality could also pose health risks over the weekend in Houston.

TRUMP SURGES Ahead in Michigan: Biden’s Struggle to Secure Base Exposed

25 March 2024 — A recent trial ballot in Michigan has revealed a surprising lead for Trump over Biden, with 47 percent favoring the former president compared to 44 percent for the incumbent. This result falls within the survey’s ±3 percent margin of error, leaving nine percent of voters still undecided.

In a more complex five-way trial ballot test, Trump maintains his lead at 44 percent against Biden’s 42 percent. The remaining votes are split among independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein, and independent Cornel West.

Steve Mitchell, president of Mitchell Research, attributes Trump’s lead to Biden’s lackluster support from African Americans and younger voters. He forecasts a nail-biting contest ahead as the victory will likely hinge on which candidate can rally their base more effectively.

In a head-to-head choice between Trump and Biden, an overwhelming 90 percent of Republican Michiganders back Trump while only 84 percent of Democrats support Biden. This poll report underscores an uncomfortable situation for Biden as he loses a significant 12 percent chunk of his vote to former President Trump.

CENTRAL US RAVAGED: Tornadoes Leave Trail of Destruction and Heartbreak

15 March 2024 — A series of violent tornadoes tore through the central U.S., causing extensive damage and claiming at least three lives. The storms left a path of devastation, flattening homes and trailers in an RV park, with Ohio’s Logan County bearing the brunt of the destruction. Lakeview and Russells Point villages were among the hardest hit areas.

On Friday, search crews accompanied by cadaver dogs sifted through the debris for any additional victims. Despite challenges posed by gas leaks and fallen trees obstructing some neighborhoods, authorities conducted a thorough second sweep in areas initially checked right after the storm hit.

Sheriff Randy Dodds cautioned that recovery operations would take time but assured that he was not aware of anyone still missing. Meanwhile, residents like Sandy Smith shared chilling accounts of seeking shelter while their homes crumbled around them during the storm’s onslaught.

The aftermath paints a grim picture — twisted metal wrapped around tree tops, damaged campgrounds and laundromats, roofs sheared off houses. Snowplows were dispatched to clear roads strewn with debris as communities begin to grapple with their new reality.

HAITI NIGHTMARE: Gangs Unleashed as Prisons Breached and Thousands Set Free

04 March 2024 — Haiti is grappling with a violent crisis. In a shocking turn of events, armed gang members infiltrated the nation’s two biggest prisons over the weekend, setting free thousands of prisoners. To regain control, the government has enforced a nighttime curfew.

The gangs, believed to have dominance over approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, have grown alarmingly bold and organized. They are now daringly attacking previously untouched sites such as the Central Bank — an unprecedented escalation in Haiti’s ongoing battle against violence.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry is pleading for international assistance in forming a UN-backed security force to stabilize Haiti. However, with only around 9,000 officers responsible for more than 11 million citizens, Haiti’s National Police force is frequently outmatched and outgunned.

The recent onslaught on state institutions has led to at least nine fatalities since Thursday — including four police officers. High-profile targets like the international airport and national soccer stadium were not spared from these coordinated attacks.

STORM ISHA Unleashes Fury: UK and Ireland Brace for Deadly Winds

22 January 2024 — The United Kingdom and Ireland are on high alert as Storm Isha ushers in torrential rain and potentially fatal winds. The Met Office, which serves as the national weather service, has declared a comprehensive wind warning covering virtually the entire U.K. Additionally, there’s a tornado risk looming over Northern Ireland, northern England, and certain regions of Scotland.

Meteorologist Tom Morgan cautions against “life-threatening” winds that could trigger power outages. Coastal areas might confront massive waves hurling debris onto roads while trees stand a chance of being uprooted. Gusts clocking 90 miles per hour have already been reported in Wales’ mountainous Snowdonia region.

Storm Isha is wreaking havoc on travel schedules with Scotland’s railway operator halting service from Sunday night through Monday morning’s peak hours. Network Rail is enforcing speed restrictions to ward off accidents caused by fallen trees or debris strewn across tracks. In western Ireland, locals are advised to steer clear of the coast owing to destructive gusts

This marks the ninth storm named since September to assail parts of the U.K., leading to toppled trees, power failures, and river valley floods. The harsh weather conditions persist in disrupting everyday life while posing considerable safety hazards.

TRUMP’S EYE on Burgum: A Potential Power Player in Second Administration

21 January 2024 — Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, has recently been spotlighted by former President Trump as a potential key player for his possible second term. This news emerged following Trump’s unprecedented victory in the Iowa Caucuses.

Responding to conjecture about a potential role in Trump’s administration, Burgum, who had previously endorsed Trump just before the Iowa Caucuses said, “Well, it’s very flattering... but you know, these are all hypotheticals.”

The Governor underscored his dedication to his current position and to backing Trump’s nomination and election endeavors. He further explained that his previous campaign was motivated by concerns about the economy, energy and national security issues that America is facing.

HARRIS and BIDEN Storm South Carolina: A Cunning Strategy for 2024 Victory?

07 January 2024 — Today, Vice President Kamala Harris is making waves in South Carolina. She’s the keynote speaker at the annual retreat of the Women’s Missionary Society of the Seventh District African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Harris plans to commemorate the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots during her address. In a parallel move, President Joe Biden will be speaking at Mother Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina on Monday — a place marked by a devastating racially-motivated mass shooting in 2015.

South Carolina has been a Republican stronghold, with Donald Trump securing victory in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

The strategic visits by Biden and Harris hint at an ambitious attempt to sway this traditionally conservative state ahead of their potential run in the upcoming 2024 election.

NEW ENGLAND Grapples with Fierce Winter Storm: Power Outages and Treacherous Travel Conditions Unleashed

07 January 2024 — New England residents were greeted by a fierce winter storm on Sunday, prompting the need for shovels and snowblowers. The Northeast was blanketed with winter storm warnings, with treacherous icy roads reaching as far south as North Carolina.

The storm triggered power outages across the region. Over 13,000 customers in California and upwards of 16,000 in Massachusetts found themselves without electricity. By Sunday morning, some Massachusetts communities had already seen nearly a foot of snow according to the National Weather Service.

Coastal areas reported less snowfall while Boston recorded only a few inches. However, the snow was predicted to continue falling throughout the day with some regions receiving over a foot. The storm also affected Maine where certain areas saw up to 12 inches of snowfall.

Vermont braced for moderate to heavy ongoing snowfall expecting total accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. Wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph threatened to cause blowing and drifting snow across southern New Hampshire and southwestern Maine.