Fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds, over 175 wildfires scorched 6.6 square miles across South Carolina, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency and implement a statewide burn ban. Evacuations were ordered in eight Horry County neighborhoods, with the National Guard deploying helicopters to assist firefighting efforts. While progress was made containing several blazes, including the Carolina Forest fire, neighboring states like North Carolina and Georgia also battled significant wildfires. Improved weather conditions are expected by Tuesday.
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Washington state Democrats are backing a bill designed to prevent other states’ National Guard units from operating within their borders, stemming from a growing fear among blue states of an “invasion” by red-state troops for deportation purposes. This fear is not unfounded, given the escalating political climate and rhetoric surrounding immigration.
The proposed legislation directly addresses concerns about the potential for a federal overreach, with some suggesting that deploying National Guard troops from one state into another for immigration enforcement could violate the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. This raises significant questions about states’ rights and the limits of federal authority.… Continue reading
California officials have vehemently refuted former President Trump’s claim that he personally dispatched the National Guard and restored water supplies during a state emergency. Trump’s assertion is unsupported by evidence, contradicting official statements and records. The state maintains its own emergency response protocols and credits its own agencies and personnel for the successful crisis management. This public denial underscores a continued partisan disagreement regarding the handling of the emergency.
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Nine individuals face charges for looting in areas ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton fires, with one additionally charged with arson in Azusa. Authorities recovered some stolen property, including an Emmy award, and allege that one suspect caused a hit-and-run during an arrest. These incidents, alongside nearly 60 arrests for looting and curfew violations, highlight the exploitation of the disaster by criminals. Increased security measures, including curfews and National Guard deployment, are in place to deter further criminal activity.
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New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham vehemently opposes President-elect Trump’s plan to utilize the National Guard for mass deportations, citing devastating consequences for families and the state’s economy. She vows to utilize all legal means to fight these deportations and will collaborate with other states in this effort. While rejecting mass deportations, Lujan Grisham supports increased federal agents to address criminal activity related to immigration and calls for Congress to pass a stalled bipartisan border security bill. Instead of mass deportations, the Governor advocates for more respectful rhetoric concerning immigrants and a focus on comprehensive immigration reform.
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President-elect Trump intends to utilize the US military for mass deportations, despite legal limitations on military involvement in domestic law enforcement. This plan could involve using state National Guard troops or attempting to circumvent the Posse Comitatus Act via the Insurrection Act, a move likely to face significant legal and political opposition. While some non-enforcement roles, such as transportation and infrastructure development, might be legally permissible, the military’s participation in direct law enforcement actions is highly controversial and could face significant internal resistance. Potential legal challenges and the military’s reluctance to undertake such a role present significant obstacles to the plan’s implementation.
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On Veterans Day, Harriet Tubman was posthumously awarded the rank of Brigadier General in the Maryland National Guard, a fitting recognition for her service as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. Governor Wes Moore hailed Tubman as a true veteran and a leading figure in American history, highlighting her bravery in leading 150 Black soldiers on a dangerous raid in South Carolina. This honor, along with the recent unveiling of a bronze statue in Philadelphia and a school renaming, solidifies Tubman’s legacy as a symbol of freedom and resilience, though efforts to feature her on the $20 bill have stalled.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood