BuzzFeed - Ellie Hall https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall BuzzFeed, Find Your New Favorite Thing en Copyright 2016 BuzzFeed, Inc. Fri, 07 Oct 2016 22:52:01 -0400 editor@buzzfeed.com (https://www.buzzfeed.com/about) info@buzzfeed.com (https://www.buzzfeed.com/about) BuzzFeed https://s3-ak.buzzfed.com/static/images/public/rss/logo.png https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall Texas Threatens To Withdraw From Refugee Resettlement Program https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/texas-threatens-to-withdraw-from-refugee-resettlement-progra?utm_term=4ldqpia Officials said Wednesday that the state will leave the program if new security screening requirements are not met by the end of the month.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks in Dallas on July 8, 2016.

Spencer Platt / Getty Images

Texas officials sent a letter Wednesday to the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement saying they plan to withdraw from the federal program on Sept. 30 if a proposed screening plan is not approved.

In August, state officials told ORR that Texas would not accept new refugees "without assurances from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence that the refugees do not pose a security threat to our citizens."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott cited the federal government's failure to properly vet refugees from "terrorist-based nations" in a statement of support for the planned withdrawal.

"Despite multiple requests by the state of Texas, the federal government lacks the capability or the will to distinguish the dangerous from the harmless, and Texas will not be an accomplice to such dereliction of duty to the American people."

“Empathy must be balanced with security," Abbott said. "Texas has done more than its fair share in aiding refugees, accepting more refugees than any other state between October 2015 and March 2016. While many refugees pose no danger, some pose grave danger, like the Iraqi refugee with ties to ISIS who was arrested earlier this year after he plotted to set off bombs at two malls in Houston."

If ORR does not respond to Texas by the end of the month, the state will withdraw from the program, effective 120 days after the Sept. 30 deadline, on Jan. 31st, 2017.

Texas would be the latest in a number of states to withdraw from the federal resettlement program. Kansas and New Jersey left in April.

Withdrawing from the program, however, does not mean that refugees will stop being settled in a certain state — it just means that the federal government will work directly with local agencies to relocate refugees instead of going through the state government.

]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/texas-threatens-to-withdraw-from-refugee-resettlement-progra Wed, 21 Sep 2016 13:39:23 -0400 Officials said Wednesday that the state will leave the program if new security screening requirements are not met by the end of the month. ellievhall nonadult Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks in Dallas on July 8, 2016. nonadult Texas officials <a href="http://gov.texas.gov/files/press-office/RefugeeResettlementLetter_09212016.pdf">sent a letter</a> Wednesday to the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement saying they plan to withdraw from the federal program on Sept. 30 if a proposed screening plan is not approved. In August, <a href="http://www.chron.com/news/politics/texas/article/State-feds-faceoff-in-new-showdown-over-refugees-9145825.php">state officials told ORR</a> that Texas would not accept new refugees "without assurances from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence that the refugees do not pose a security threat to our citizens." Texas Governor <a href="http://gov.texas.gov/news/press-release/22682">Greg Abbott</a> cited the federal government's failure to properly vet refugees from "terrorist-based nations" in a statement of support for the planned withdrawal. "Despite multiple requests by the state of Texas, the federal government lacks the capability or the will to distinguish the dangerous from the harmless, and Texas will not be an accomplice to such dereliction of duty to the American people." “Empathy must be balanced with security," Abbott said. "Texas has done more than its fair share in aiding refugees, accepting more refugees than any other state between October 2015 and March 2016. While many refugees pose no danger, some pose grave danger, like the Iraqi refugee with ties to ISIS who was arrested earlier this year after he plotted to set off bombs at two malls in Houston." If ORR does not respond to Texas by the end of the month, the state will withdraw from the program, effective 120 days after the Sept. 30 deadline, on Jan. 31st, 2017. Texas would be the latest in a number of states to withdraw from the federal resettlement program. <a href="http://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article73948492.html">Kansas</a> and <a href="http://nj1015.com/nj-stops-cooperating-with-refugee-program-but-refugees-will-still-settle-in-state/">New Jersey</a> left in April. Withdrawing from the program, however, does not mean that refugees will stop being settled in a certain state — it just means that the federal government will work directly with local agencies to relocate refugees instead of going through the state government. nonadult Men On Twitter Kept Telling Hillary Clinton To Smile As She Delivered Her Speech https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/literally-stop-telling-women-to-smile?utm_term=4ldqpia Seriously? SERIOUSLY?

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/literally-stop-telling-women-to-smile Fri, 29 Jul 2016 00:23:43 -0400 Seriously? SERIOUSLY? ellievhall nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Update: Ralston later <a href="https://twitter.com/RalstonReports/status/758868392828809216">clarified</a> that he was trolling the men who were telling Clinton to smile. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Here's What Donald Trump Said In His First Reddit AMA https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiakoerner/heres-what-donald-trump-said-in-his-first-reddit-ama?utm_term=4ldqpia The Republican nominee took questions in the subreddit The_Donald on Wednesday between campaign events.

Trump answered two questions from a series suggested by /r/asktrumpsupporters — a subreddit where those who don't support Trump interact with his fans.

Trump answered two questions from a series suggested by /r/asktrumpsupporters — a subreddit where those who don't support Trump interact with his fans.

/r/The_Donald / Via reddit.com

In response, Trump called voter fraud "a serious concern," and he added that NASA is wonderful.

In response, Trump called voter fraud "a serious concern," and he added that NASA is wonderful.

/r/The_Donald / Via reddit.com

One user asked what Trump would do to address "the dishonest media [that] is rigging our democracy."

One user asked what Trump would do to address "the dishonest media [that] is rigging our democracy."

/r/The_Donald / Via reddit.com

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiakoerner/heres-what-donald-trump-said-in-his-first-reddit-ama Wed, 27 Jul 2016 21:39:41 -0400 The Republican nominee took questions in the subreddit The_Donald on Wednesday between campaign events. claudiakoerner nonadult The subreddit describes itself as the online home of serious Trump supporters, and the thread received more than 18,000 comments. Moderators announced they’d be taking extra measures to keep out “troublemakers” by banning new accounts, and the forum's rules ban trolling and spam, as well as “dissenters and SJWs” — social justice warriors. Questions ranged from net neutrality to what was his favorite meme of the campaign so far. Here's how Trump, the subreddit's "God Emperor" and "Nimble Navigator," answered: nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Here's How The Internet Reacted To The Second Day Of The DNC https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/the-internet-reacts-to-dnc-day-2-the-internet-is-also-tired?utm_term=4ldqpia SMDH, did you hear that they’re remaking “President Clinton” with an all-female cast?

This is not the BuzzFeed News write-up of the convention as it happened. That's in the link up there.

This is not the BuzzFeed News write-up of the convention as it happened. That's in the link up there.

AP / Steven Senne / BuzzFeed

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/the-internet-reacts-to-dnc-day-2-the-internet-is-also-tired Wed, 27 Jul 2016 01:56:02 -0400 SMDH, did you hear that they're remaking "President Clinton" with an all-female cast? ellievhall nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Here's How The Internet Reacted To The First Day Of The DNC https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/heres-how-the-internet-responded-to-the-first-day?utm_term=4ldqpia Much boos. Such tears. Very convention. Wow.

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/heres-how-the-internet-responded-to-the-first-day Tue, 26 Jul 2016 02:09:52 -0400 Much boos. Such tears. Very convention. Wow. ellievhall nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult <i>BuzzFeed's Alex Duner contributed to this report.</i> nonadult Convention Wrap-Up: Bernie Supporters Protest And Michelle Obama Moves The Crowd https://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeednews/dnc-day-1?utm_term=4ldqpia Reporting from Philadelphia: Ruby Cramer, Bim Adewunmi, Evan McMorris-Santoro, Darren Sands, Adrian Carrasquillo, Mary Ann Georgantopoulos, Tracy Clayton, Jim Dalrymple, Dominic Holden, Emma Loop, Ryan Broderick, and John Stanton.

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeednews/dnc-day-1 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 20:17:59 -0400 Reporting from Philadelphia: <a href="https://twitter.com/rubycramer">Ruby Cramer</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/bimadew">Bim Adewunmi</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanMcSan">Evan McMorris-Santoro</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/darrensands">Darren Sands</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Carrasquillo">Adrian Carrasquillo</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/marygeorgant">Mary Ann Georgantopoulos</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/brokeymcpoverty">Tracy Clayton</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JimDalrympleII">Jim Dalrymple</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/dominicholden">Dominic Holden</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/loopemma">Emma Loop</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/broderick">Ryan Broderick</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/dcbigjohn">John Stanton</a>. buzzfeednews nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Leaked emails showing senior Democratic National Committee staffers criticizing Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and questioning his faith are "outrageous," the Vermont senator said Sunday. WikiLeaks on Friday published a trove of nearly 20,000 emails, providing an embarrassing glimpse at the inner workings of the DNC and possibly reigniting claims the party was quietly favoring Clinton during the presidential primary. <i> —Adolfo Flores and David Mack</i> nonadult Russian figures are secretly maneuvering to damage the Democratic party and assist Donald Trump presidential chances, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager said Sunday. Speaking to CNN's Jake Tapper, Robby Mook said he was "disturbed" by the publication of hacked Democratic National Committee emails on the eve of the party's Philadelphia convention, scheduled to begin Monday. "Experts are telling us that Russian state actors broke into the DNC, stole these emails, and other experts are now saying that the Russians are releasing these emails for the purpose of actually helping Donald Trump," Mook said on CNN. <i> —David Mack</i> nonadult nonadult Bernie Sanders supporters protested in Philadelphia on Sunday ahead of the Democratic National Convention. The protests had been planned for months, according to the <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/cops-protesters-gear-hot-day-marches-ahead-dnc-40833182">Associated Press</a>, but were heightened due to an email leak <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/adolfoflores/leaked-emails-show-dnc-staffers-plotting-against-sanders-cam?utm_term=.mp6RnWrnkM#.psxzKjkKED">revealing</a> that the DNC had criticized Sanders' campaign, which led to the <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiakoerner/dnc-chair-debbie-wasserman-schultz-stepping-down-amid-email?utm_term=.amqoxmVxWr#.ugWQ0oe02w">resignation</a> of Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. nonadult By selecting Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine as her running mate, Hillary Clinton chose one of the few Democratic governors who has put people to death. In his four years as governor of Virginia, Kaine carried out 11 executions. Over the course of the 2016 campaign, Clinton has said that she has concerns about how the death penalty is implemented in the states, and that she would "breathe a sigh of relief if either the Supreme Court or the states themselves began to eliminate the death penalty." Of current governors, the only Democrats to have carried out executions are Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and one of Kaine's successors, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Although Kaine carried out 11 executions, his stance on the death penalty is much more complicated than that. Before he became governor in 2006, Kaine served as a civil rights lawyer, and represented several capital defendants. <i> —Chris McDaniel</i> nonadult PHILADELPHIA - Hillary Clinton's pollster believes Donald Trump has irreparably damaged himself with the Hispanic electorate — but he won't yet say the campaign thinks it can reach dramatically higher percentages of its support, either. "I think 75% is a difficult number to reach. I think it's possible, but it's not essential," Joel Benenson told BuzzFeed News in an interview before Clinton picked Tim Kaine, whose Spanish fluency the campaign believes will help them reach Latinos, as her running mate. Benenson instead pointed to recent polls like Univision's that show Clinton with a nearly 60-point lead on the question of who would represent the views of Hispanics better and nearly 75% of voters finding Trump's attack on the Mexican-American federal judge Gonzalo Curiel as racist. <i> —Adrian Carrasquillo</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult In the U.S. Senate, Tim Kaine has been held up as one of the chamber's the most environmentally friendly members. As senator, he called for cutting subsidies to big oil companies. And he pushed the Obama administration to reject approving the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline long before it was clear the president would do so. After Hillary Clinton picked him as her running mate on Friday, one environmental group, the Sierra Club, hailed Clinton and Kaine as "the strongest environmental ticket we've ever seen." But environmentalists back in Kaine's home state aren't as sure. They remember when, during his term as Virginia's governor from 2006 to 2010, Kaine went to bat for the one fossil fuel abundant in the state: coal. <i> —Dino Grandoni</i> nonadult Tim Kaine's first solo interviews since being announced as Hillary Clinton's running mate will air on the two biggest US-based Spanish-language broadcast networks Univision and Telemundo, sources close to the campaign told BuzzFeed News. Kaine will discuss Republican nominee Donald Trump, the Democratic National Convention <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiakoerner/dnc-chair-debbie-wasserman-schultz-stepping-down-amid-email">email leaks</a>, and Central America during the interviews. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Debbie Wasserman Schultz speaking Monday morning. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult As a big supporter of Bernie Sanders, Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon had a long first evening of the Democratic National Convention, which will celebrate Hillary Clinton as the nominee. In fact, her apparent disdain for the festivities was captures by a video journalist posted to Twitter. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced she would leave her leadership position after the Democratic National Convention ends this week, amid a controversy over leaked DNC emails. Wasserman Schultz had been criticized by the Bernie Sanders campaign for appearing to favor Hillary Clinton throughout their Democratic primary. Hackers this week also posted thousands of emails from party staff members, some of which showed DNC staffers criticizing the Sanders campaign and questioning his faith. <i> —Claudia Koerner</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult During his 2005 run for governor, Hillary Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine stated on his issues pages he would "not propose any new gun laws," as governor of the state of Virginia. In radio ads, he boasted the same message and even cited the NRA's Charlton Heston. At the same time, Kaine, then the state's lieutenant governor, signaled his support for gun rights on a number of his issues. That year, Kaine answered the Virginia Defense League's survey for candidates. Kaine's survey reveals some interesting answers on gun rights out of step with the modern Democratic Party. He signaled he supported so-called reciprocity, where states recognize other state's concealed carry permits. Kaine signaled he supported repealing the requirement for fingerprinting to get a concealed carry permit. He also said he opposed the government-mandated use of trigger locks. <i> — Andrew Kaczynski</i> nonadult nonadult Former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg will endorse Hillary Clinton while speaking this week at the Democratic National Convention, according to reports. Bloomberg will likely speak in a prime-time slot on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/07/24/michael-bloomberg-democratic-convention-clinton/87506396/"><i>USA Today</i> reported</a>. The businessman will speak about Clinton's qualifications from his perspective as an independent voter, an adviser <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/25/us/politics/michael-bloomberg-hillary-clinton-dnc.html?_r=0">told the <i>New York Times</i></a>. Bloomberg left the Democratic party in 2000 and was elected as mayor while a Republican. Now an independent, he considered running for president himself, but ruled the possibility out in March. <i> —Claudia Koerner</i> nonadult PHILADELPHIA — The Democrats will be presenting a starkly different immigration message this week during their convention — especially around the issue of undocumented immigration. At the RNC, Donald Trump described a violent America, which featured the suffering of innocents at the hands of vicious undocumented immigrants; the convention also featured people whose son or daughter had been killed by an undocumented immigrant. In Philadelphia, the Democratic National Convention will present three faces from Nevada by way of Mexico: a young woman, Astrid Silva a DREAMer activist; and Karla and Francisca Ortiz, a 10-year-old U.S. citizen girl and her undocumented mother, who will all speak at the convention Monday. <i> —Adrian Carrasquillo</i> nonadult PHILADELPHIA — The Bernie Sanders campaign considered demanding a private plane staffed and funded by the Democratic National Committee as part of negotiations with Hillary Clinton heading into this week's convention, according to a Sanders memo obtained by BuzzFeed News. The plane was to be used "for a series of fall rallies in battleground states," according to the "Bernie 2016" memo, which was drafted in the days before Sanders' sound defeat in the June 7 California primary, the contest that effectively ended his insurgent bid. "This plane would be paid for by the DNC," it reads. The document reveals a campaign in its final days, considering whether to fight on with a "divisive critique" of Clinton, yet attuned to diminished influence inside the party. <i> —Ruby Cramer and Evan McMorris-Santoro</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult Read more about the allegations that Russia is seeking to help Trump's campaign <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/davidmack/clinton-campaign-manager-russia-is-secretly-helping-trump?utm_term=.xuMPzAPv9#.beXaMGaLo">here</a>. <i>—David Mack</i> nonadult Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine gave their <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-hillary-clinton-tim-kaine-democratic-ticket-scott-pelley/">first joint interview</a> to <i>CBS 60 Minutes</i> on Sunday, with the presumptive Democratic nominee saying she was "saddened" after hearing about the chants of "Lock her up" at the Republican National Convention. "I don't know what their convention was about, other than criticizing me," Clinton said. "There was no positive agenda. It was a very dark, divisive campaign." Responding to Trump calling her "Crooked Hillary," Clinton said, "I'm not going to engage in that kind of insult fest that he seems to thrive on." She <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-overtime-hillary-clinton-tim-kaine-clips/">said</a> that Trump had behaved in a "very bullying manner." "Our country needs to stand up to people who take pleasure in pushing other people around, who incite violence, who mock and degrade people," she said. "That's classic bullying and I don't think we should tolerate it." Clinton said that Kaine was "highly qualified" and that he would be "ready to become president if something were to happen." Kaine said that it would "poetic and beautiful" if Clinton were president in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of US women earning right to vote. Addressing claims from her detractors that she is corrupt, Clinton said, "I often feel like there's the Hillary standard and then there's the standard for everybody else." Responding to the Democratic National Committee's leaked emails that forced DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz to resign, Clinton <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-overtime-hillary-clinton-tim-kaine-clips/">said</a> she "doesn't know anything about" the emails and hasn't read them. When host Scott Pelley told her about the email that appeared to question Bernie Sanders' faith, Clinton said that such an email would be "absolutely wrong and unacceptable." "I am adamantly opposed to anyone bringing religion into our political process," she said. — <i>Tasneem Nashrulla</i> nonadult In his primetime address at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday evening, Bernie Sanders will call on his supporters to elect Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, his campaign said, in a move sure to be welcomed by members anxious over lingering party divisions. "U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders will make it clear that Hillary Clinton is by far superior to Donald Trump on every major issue from economics and health care to education and the environment," his campaign said in a <a href="https://berniesanders.com/press-release/sanders-address-democratic-national-convention/">statement</a>. "Sanders also plans to rip into Trump for siding with the Koch brothers and echoing fossil fuel industry claims that climate change is a hoax despite the virtually-unanimous scientific consensus that the warming planet is causing devastating harm." The Vermont senator will also celebrate his successful efforts to lobby for a progressive party platform, including calls to expand health care and provide free tuition for some college students. He will also tell his millions of supporters that the "political revolution" they began will continue, despite his primary loss. "Together," he will say, "we continue the fight to create a government which represents all of us, and not just the 1 percent – a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice." <i>—David Mack </i> nonadult Sen. Elizabeth Warren will give the keynote speech at the DNC in Philadelphia, the Clinton campaign said Monday. Warren, who <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/jimdalrympleii/elizabeth-warren-hillary-clinton-endorse?utm_term=.qfZN7j2Yb#.hlD5n9vEV">endorsed</a> Clinton's presidential bid earlier this month, will join some of the party's biggest names scheduled to speak on the convention's first day, including Michelle Obama, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Sen. Cory Booker. The theme of the first day of the DNC will focus on Clinton's "lifelong work and commitment to putting families first," her campaign said. "The message will be in stark contrast with the dark and divisive message of the GOP Convention, where Donald Trump claimed that "he, alone" could solve the nation's challenges." The campaign said that "unlike Cleveland, where speakers barely mentioned Donald Trump," the DNC will feature "a wide array of everyday Americans" talking about their personal stories and Clinton's support. "The convention will crystallize the fights she has already fought and what she will do for American families as president," the Clinton campaign said. — <i>Tasneem Nashrulla</i> nonadult Outgoing DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz was heckled and booed while speaking at a Philadelphia political breakfast Monday, the day after she announced she would step down amid leaked emails that have <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/adolfoflores/leaked-emails-show-dnc-staffers-plotting-against-sanders-cam?utm_term=.qm6NPWNo7#.vuDZL7Z54">angered Bernie Sanders supporters</a>. Footage of Wasserman Schultz trying to speak over the rowdy crowd at the Florida delegation breakfast was broadcast live on the major cable networks. "So I can see there's a little bit of interest in my being here," she joked after approaching the microphone. "I appreciate that interest. And a little bit of interest from the press. "But that really shows you that Florida is the most significant battleground state that will make sure that Hillary Clinton is elected president of the United States of America," she said to both cheers and boos. nonadult At a press briefing, Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook said that outgoing DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz still intended to gavel in Monday, a day after she announced that she would step down amid leaked emails from DNC staffers that appeared to criticize Bernie Sanders and question his faith. Addressing questions about whether Wasserman Schultz would gavel in despite being jeered by a crowd at a Florida delegation breakfast Monday, Mook said, "That's what she said that she plans to do." "We're moving on," Clinton campaign chair John Podesta <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/clinton-campaign-chair-on-schultz-email-leaks-731605059879">said</a> Monday on MSNBC's <i>Morning Joe</i>, in response to Wasserman Schultz's resignation. "Well look, she has done, I think, what she needs to do, which is resign as chair of the party," Podesta said. "Under the rules, she the right to open the party, open the convention. She's going to do that. You know, look, I think that was her choice. And I think we're moving on. Look, we're excited about what's happening tonight." Doubling down on <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/davidmack/clinton-campaign-manager-russia-is-secretly-helping-trump?utm_term=.lyQX7Ev36#.faMX0JxK5">claims</a> that the Russians were involved in the DNC email leaks, Mook, citing experts, said Monday that "Russian state actors" were "feeding the emails to hackers for the purpose of helping Donald Trump." "Voters need to take a look at this," Mook said. "It's troubling if it's true." Mook added that the DNC was reviewing all the information and would "take appropriate measures." — <i>Tasneem Nashrulla</i> nonadult PHILADELPHIA— Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee said he thought this morning's booing should persuade Debbie Wasserman Schultz to drop her speech today — but he wasn't sure it would. "Everyone wants their 15 minutes, even if it's a shitty 15 minutes," he said. Cohen then ducked into a reception hosted by the lobbyist Tony Podesta. Among the guests at the lobbying firm's event: Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, Tony's brother. <i>—Ben Smith</i> nonadult nonadult WASHINGTON — Federal law enforcement officials are investigating the supposed Russian-led intrusion into the Democratic National Committee computer servers, the FBI told BuzzFeed News Monday. "The FBI is investigating a cyber intrusion involving the DNC and are working to determine the nature and scope of the matter," an FBI spokesperson said in an email. "A compromise of this nature is something we take very seriously, and the FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who pose a threat in cyberspace." <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/alimwatkins/the-fbi-is-investigating-the-dnc-email-hack?utm_term=.fty3wk35q#.karNV8NQw">Read more here. </a> —Ali Watkins nonadult PHILADELPHIA — Black senior staff from Hillary Clinton's campaign said the convention will offer an optimistic vision for the country, focused on solutions and moving black people forward. At an hourlong morning press briefing here Monday, senior policy adviser Maya Harris and senior spokesperson Karen Finney said the Clinton campaign is not going to take the black vote for granted and will place an emphasis on voter protection, turnout, and registering 3 million new voters. Finney said the Clinton campaign will make a "substantial commitment" to black newspapers and black radio. Asked about the attitude black millennials have about her because of things she's said in the past, Finney said "trust is earned" and encouraged young black voters who doubt her to take a closer look at her history. "I would encourage young people to look at the work that she did in the Senate," Finney said. "There's consistency there... This is a person who has a real record that I don't think people know about." Harris said Clinton supports compilation of data on use of force, national standards on guidelines for use of force, training on de-escalation, and a $1 billion commitment to implicit bias training for officers. "When we talk about being stronger together it's about figuring out how we come together and solve problems," Harris said. "Not just pointing fingers and picking sides." Harris and Finney touched on the theme of Donald Trump versus Clinton, signaling a choice between "risky versus steady." The campaign plans to focus on how Clinton's infrastructure, jobs, and small business plans, as well as her plans to decrease gun violence, will affect black voters. "She has a comprehensive plan and approach and intends to fight for those reforms as president," Harris said. Harris said there will be pointed contrasts highlighted, particularly between Tim Kaine and Trump; Kaine is someone has a record of fighting against housing discrimination, while the Trump family was sued for systematic housing discrimination against black people. Highlighting these facts is about "people beginning to understand who's on our ticket." Harris said. Harris said the Clinton campaign is about moving forward — not backward. "That is not someplace black Americans want to go." —<i>Darren Sands</i> nonadult During his 2005 run for Virginia governor, Hillary Clinton's running mate Sen. Tim Kaine compared his position on abortion to that of then-President George W. Bush's. Kaine's opponent in the race, state Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, attempted to paint Kaine as too liberal on the issue of abortion. To push back on these claims, Kaine's campaign blog cited an American Prospect article, in which Kaine compares his views on abortion to Bush's. Kaine, whose voting record in the Senate is considered liberal, ran to the right during his 2005 race on issues like abortion, guns, religion, marriage, and fiscal issues. Kaine's position was and is that while he personally opposes abortion as a Catholic, he will uphold and enforce laws protecting abortion rights. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/tim-kaine-in-2005-compared-his-position-on-abortion-to-georg?utm_term=.jjAbmPb24#.tg9EVpEnG">Read the full remarks here.</a> <i>—Andrew Kacyznski</i> nonadult In a statement released Monday, the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence said that they will "continue to seek further information from the IC as to the origin of any attack and a potential connection to Russia or another state sponsor." "If the hack is linked to Russian actors, it would not be the first time cyber intrusions linked to the Kremlin and its supporters have sought to influence the political process in other countries," Rep. Adam Schiff said. "Given Donald Trump's well-known admiration for Putin and his belittling of NATO, the Russians have both the means and the motive to engage in a hack of the DNC and the dump of its emails prior to the Democratic convention. That foreign actors may be trying to influence our election — let alone a powerful adversary like Russia — should concern all Americans of any party." —<i>Ellie Hall</i> nonadult PHILADELPHIA — When the Democratic Party released an initial draft of its platform, a document that was composed this spring by a handful of presidential campaign and party appointees, LGBT people were mentioned 11 times. But by the time a full platform committee — which had hundreds of people, including LGBT policy wonks — finished a final draft this month, LGBT people were mentioned more than twice as often, carving out the party's boldest stance on LGBT rights to date. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/dominicholden/democrats-are-about-to-adopt-the-most-progressive-lgbt-platf?utm_term=.ryrK6OK5M#.qsgXGKX9d">Read more about the progressive document here. </a> <i>—Dominic Holden </i> nonadult "I don't understand people who trash-talk about America," Clinton said during her speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) convention in Charlotte Monday. Without mentioning Trump, Clinton took digs at several aspects of his foreign policy. "One thing is for certain: You will never hear from me is praise for dictators and strongmen," she said. She also said, "You will never hear me say I only listen to myself on national security," in an apparent reference to Trump's statement that he <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/2016-gop-primary-live-updates-and-results/2016/03/trump-foreign-policy-adviser-220853">speaks to himself</a> on matters of foreign policy. Clinton also said that American troops deserve a commander-in-chief who will "not order them to commit war crimes." Trump has said he would bring back waterboarding as an interrogation method for suspected terrorists. "We have the world's greatest military," Clinton said. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." —<i>Tasneem Nashrulla</i> nonadult PHILADELPHIA — Hillary Clinton's campaign dismissed the "Lock Her Up!" shouts that rang out from a pro–Bernie Sanders march here on day one of the Democratic convention, echoing chants heard from Republicans last week in Cleveland. "I don't think that's a consensus sentiment at all," said Clinton national press secretary Brian Fallon, asked about whether Democrats can expect to the same vitriolic language that overtook much of the Republican National Convention. The chants came on Monday morning during a march in downtown Philadelphia, organized independently of the Vermont senator's former campaign. Supporters were sporting "Hillary For Prison" T-shirts and signs. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/rubycramer/lock-her-up-not-a-consensus-sentiment-clinton-camp-says-afte?utm_term=.qcVwWNwa0#.kjEJ1rJKl">Read more about the protests and divided Democrats here. </a> <i>—Ruby Cramer</i> nonadult PHILADELPHIA — The national coordinator for the Bernie Delegates Network said Monday that "it doesn't matter" if supporters of the Vermont senator who are not in a swing state don't vote for Hillary Clinton in November's election. "In swing states, hold your nose and vote for Hillary Clinton. In safe states it doesn't matter," Norman Solomon, the national coordinator for more than 1,100 Sanders delegates, said at a news conference. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/maryanngeorgantopoulos/sanders-delegate-it-doesnt-matter-if-some-bernie-supporters?utm_term=.xepNWkNGD#.qsgXGKX9d">Read his full comments here. </a> <i>—Mary Ann Georgantopoulos </i> nonadult A "Hillary for Prison" truck sponsored by right-wing conspiracy theory website <a href="http://www.infowars.com/">Infowars.com</a> showed up at a Bernie Sanders rally on Monday and was greeted with enthusiasm by Sanders supporters. <i>Infowars</i> is run by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, a <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/rosiegray/alex-jones-is-a-big-fan-of-donald-trump-and-the-feelings-mut?utm_term=.sn1Lk2Ro2#.kdN4zRlPR">Trump supporter</a> who believes, among other things, that 9/11 was an inside job. <i>—Ellie Hall</i> nonadult Addressing delegates ahead of the convention where he is scheduled to speak Monday, Sanders commented on the outgoing DNC chair's resignation amid the leaked DNC emails that appeared to criticize Sanders' campaign and question his faith. "As I think all of you know, Debbie Wasserman Shultz resigned yesterday as chair of the DNC," Sanders said as the crowd cheered. "Her resignation opens up the possibility of new leadership at the top of the Democratic party that will stand with working people, and that will open the doors of the party to those people who want real change." nonadult The outgoing DNC chairwoman, who said she would step down amid leaked emails from DNC staffers that appeared to favor Clinton's campaign over Sanders', <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-wasserman-schultz-florida-democrats-20160725-story.html">told</a> the <i>Sun Sentinel</i> that she was not going to gavel in the convention. Wasserman Shultz had said Sunday that she would open and close the convention. Clinton's campaign manager, Robby Mook, told reporters Monday morning that Wasserman Schultz intended to gavel in despite being jeered earlier in the day while addressing the Florida delegation. "I have decided that in the interest of making sure that we can start the Democratic convention on a high note that I am not going to gavel in the convention," Wasserman Schultz told the <i>Sun Sentinel.</i> "I stepped down the other day because I wanted to make sure that having brought us to this momentous day and to Philadelphia and planned the convention that is going to be the best one that we've ever had in our party's history that this needs to be all about making sure that everyone knows that Hillary Clinton would make the best president," she said. nonadult PHILADELPHIA — At the black and Hispanic caucus meetings late Monday morning, Acting DNC Chair Donna Brazile apologized for the content of leaked emails by party staffers that disparaged the Sanders campaign. "I sincerely apologize my friends for those of you who took offense and were offended — feel betrayed and were betrayed —by the ridiculous, insensitive, and inappropriate emails from the staff of the Democratic Party," Brazile said to cheers, and shouts of "thank you!" "Those words to not reflect the spirit of this party," she continued. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/darrensands/donna-brazile-apologizes-over-dnc-leaks-at-black-latino-cauc?utm_term=.wemOAkOR9#.hiqAr0Ajd">Read the full story here.</a> <i>—Darren Sands &amp; Adrian Carrasquillo</i> nonadult PHILADELPHIA — Last week's Republican National Convention gave Donald Trump an edge over Hillary Clinton, according to a new CNN poll — and some Democratic delegates at the convention in Philadelphia said they are "terrified" and that the party needs to "do some serious thinking." In a two-way national matchup — conducted over telephone with over 1,000 random adults — Trump polled at 48% to Clinton's 45%. Another poll by Morning Consult released on Monday also showed Trump ahead of Clinton by 4%, calling it a "post-convention bump." And a Los Angles Times/USA Today poll out Sunday also has Trump up 4%. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/emmaloop/some-democratic-delegates-are-terrified-after-trump-takes-th?utm_term=.qqdW2wWAl#.ak1JE7J3Y">Read how some Democrats are reacting here.</a> <i>—Emma Loop and Talal Ansari</i> nonadult nonadult PHILADELPHIA — Tim Kaine's language skills have been accepted as a boon for the Clinton campaign. Less attention has been paid to why it matters and how it will manifest itself as an advantage for the campaign. One key way Kaine's Spanish-speaking abilities matter is in contrast to what Donald Trump's campaign offers with regard to Spanish-language surrogates, which up to now, has been not much. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/adriancarrasquillo/why-it-matters-that-tim-kaine-speaks-spanish?utm_term=.jkBBp5BZm#.mfJpDdpLA">In this story</a>, BuzzFeed News political reporter Adrian Carrasquillo, who covers Latino affairs, explains why Kaine's Spanish may be so important this election cycle. <i>—Adrian Carrasquillo </i> nonadult As a member of Richmond, Virginia's city council in 1997, Tim Kaine proposed barring non-resident drug offenders from entering the city for a period of time as part of their sentence, according to local news reports at the time. The old comments were today dug up by BuzzFeed News. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/natemcdermott/as-city-coucilman-kaine-proposed-banning-outside-drug-offend?utm_term=.ygxrZlrgd#.ajZPVGPX7">Read the full story here. </a> <i>—Nate McDermott</i> nonadult Valencia Seay nonadult nonadult Mere minutes into the DNC on Monday, Bernie Sanders supporters inside the arena in Philadelphia broke out in chants of "Bernie! Bernie!" during the opening prayer. After Reverend Dr. Cynthia Hale mentioned the Democratic nomination of Hillary Clinton during her invocation, cheers, some boos, and raucous chanters overwhelmed the hall with noise. Earlier in the day, Sanders sent a text asking that "as a personal courtesy to me" his supporters "not engage in any kind of protest on the floor." <i>—Mike Hayes</i> nonadult Thousands of Bernie Sanders supporters are protested Monday against Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee on Philadelphia's streets and inside the convention hall. The first Sanders rally kicked off Sunday with more than a 1,000 protesters from all over the country chanting anti-Hillary slogans. Sanders supporters continued to march in large numbers throughout the day, demonstrating the lingering divide between Democratic party voters just hours before the convention kicked off. The rallies are larger than any of the protests seen at last week's Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Read more on the demonstrations <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/jimdalrympleii/bernie-sanders-supporters-are-realllllllyyyyy-angry-with-hil?utm_term=.lp9jlZQJV#.cmqnQoDmB">here</a>. <i>—Jim Dalrymple II and Tasneem Nashrulla</i> nonadult The Democratic National Committee on Monday apologized for remarks sent over email criticizing the Bernie Sanders campaign. <blockquote>On behalf of everyone at the DNC, we want to offer a deep and sincere apology to Senator Sanders, his supporters, and the entire Democratic Party for the inexcusable remarks made over email. These comments do not reflect the values of the DNC or our steadfast commitment to neutrality during the nominating process. The DNC does not -- and will not -- tolerate disrespectful language exhibited toward our candidates. Individual staffers have also rightfully apologized for their comments, and the DNC is taking appropriate action to ensure it never happens again. We are embarking on a convention today that — thanks to the great efforts of Secretary Clinton, her team, Senator Sanders, his team, and the entire Democratic Party — will show a forward-thinking and optimistic vision for America, as compared to the dark and pessimistic vision that the GOP presented last week in Cleveland. Our focus is on electing Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine and Democrats across the country, thanks to Democratic Party that is strong, unified, and poised for victory in November.</blockquote> Convention Secretary Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Treasurer Andrew Tobias, as well as vice chairs Raymond Buckley, Maria Elena Durazo, R.T. Rybak, and national finance committee chairman Henry R. Muñoz III all signed the statement. nonadult This is about where things are outside the hall. nonadult Former President Bill Clinton will fundraise next month in Utah, the strongly Republican state where Donald Trump is unpopular. Clinton will visit the state Aug. 11 for a series of events, Jenny Wilson, who chairs the Utah delegation to the DNC, told BuzzFeed News. A source said the former president will fundraise in Utah, as part of a finance swing. Polls have showed Utah — which Mitt Romney won during his run for president — as a tight three-way race between Clinton, Trump, and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. "The state is in play," said Wilson, who said Utah's heavily Mormon electorate "don't like [Trump's] abrupt nature, they don't like the 'build a wall' — the persecution." <i>—Ben Smith</i> <i>This post has been updated.</i> nonadult nonadult As protests continue in Philadelphia, Sanders and Clinton forces have met and coordinated to prevent disruptions during the all-important televised portions of the party's convention. Sanders himself sent a text message to delegates asking them not to disrupt the proceedings: "I ask you as a personal courtesy to me to not engage in any kind of protest on the floor. Its of utmost importance you explain this to your delegations - Bernie" The campaigns have also merged their whip teams — the people who guide delegates on what to do — and senior campaign officials have met, according to a party official. Tensions among Sanders supporters have flared since Wikileaks published hacked emails from DNC officials. His supporters say they prove the DNC was biased against his campaign. However, Sanders' former press secretary disputed accusations that the campaign was stolen or that the system was rigged. nonadult A Maine lawmaker who has <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/23/opinion/campaign-stops/abolish-superdelegates-its-only-democratic.html?_r=0">advocated</a> for amending the Democrat Party's superdelegate system, delivered a fiery speech Monday that quoted <i>Harry Potter.</i> "You know, Dumbledore from <i>Harry Potter</i> once said it takes great courage to stand up to your enemies," Rep. Diane Russell said. "It takes even greater courage to stand up to your friends." "Obviously, we've had a real family disagreement over the role of superdelegates in our party's nominating process," she continued. "Working together, it is supposed to be hard work, but we can definitely do more as a party to ensure a fairer, more open process that places every day voters at the center." Russell, who endorsed the Sanders campaign, supports an <a href="http://bangordailynews.com/2016/05/04/politics/at-maine-convention-democrats-to-vote-on-eliminating-superdelegates/">amendment</a> that would eliminate the superdelegate system in Maine by 2020. The Democratic Party's rules committee <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/07/23/democrats-vote-to-bind-most-superdelegates-to-state-primary-results/">voted</a> Saturday to create a "unity commission" aimed at limiting superdelegates to the results of state primaries. nonadult Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan told the Associated Press that more than 40 people had been detained as of Monday evening while protesting outside the Democratic National Convention. Many of the demonstrators are Bernie Sanders supporters, riled by hacked DNC emails that were recently published by Wikileaks. nonadult California Rep. Barbara Lee is hosting a "Unity Reception" bringing together delegates from both sides on Tuesday afternoon, multiple sources confirm to BuzzFeed News. Lee, who has passed out the invitations to operatives, high-profile delegates, and VIPs herself, is stressing the need for sides to come together on the second day of a convention notable thus far more for its dysfunction than togetherness. Lee, sources close to her say, was taken aback by the reception she got at the California delegation breakfast. Read more about her effort to build unity <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/darrensands/after-breakfast-booing-california-democrat-is-hosting-unity?utm_term=.qsZQjG1Yz#.gynNJKrn8">here</a>. <i>—Darren Sands</i> nonadult Several Bernie Sanders supporters broke out in boos and yelled over Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland as he delivered his speech about the civil rights and Black Lives Matter movements. The interruption of Cummings, a Clinton supporter, was met with some ire from viewers and attendees, underscoring the discord within the party. nonadult <i>—Ben Smith</i> nonadult The following email was sent to the media on Monday evening: <blockquote>The DNCC's weather monitoring service has observed lightning within a six mile radius of the Wells Fargo Center. Tents in the vicinity of the area are not designed to fully protect inhabitants in the event of a direct lightning strike. Accordingly, we strongly recommend that you and your colleagues evacuate your tent immediately and proceed to Lincoln Financial Field using the directions below. We will notify you by email when dangerous conditions have subsided.</blockquote> nonadult Bernie Sanders' campaign manager repudiated a fledgling grassroots effort by progressive activists at the Democratic National Convention to challenge Sen. Tim Kaine as the party's vice presidential nominee. "It's very divisive," said Jeff Weaver, the top strategist, as he walked the floor of the hall at the Wells Fargo Center where Sanders is set to speak Monday night. "She's the presidential nominee. If Bernie were the nominee, would you want the conservatives trying to nominate our vice president? So, that's what I would say." Rumblings of a possible anti-Kaine effort came to light on Monday morning amid a splintering Democratic Party. Read more about the controversy <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/rubycramer/bernie-sanders-team-disavows-idea-of-challenging-tim-kaine-p?utm_term=.oinw5rLYl#.fwbQ4k2N1">here</a>. <i>—Ruby Cramer</i> nonadult No arrests were made during daytime demonstrations outside the Democratic National Convention, Philadelphia police told BuzzFeed News. "As of 6:44 p.m, there have been no arrests," a Philadelphia police spokesperson said. However, 55 people were issued code violation notices for disorderly conduct outside of the Wells Fargo Center, where the convention is being held. Of those people issued disorderly conduct violations, 32 were men and 23 were women, police said. <i>—Leticia Miranda</i> nonadult Silverman, a self-professed Bernie Sanders supporter, made the comment after making the case for her pledging allegiance to the party's nominee, Hillary Clinton, and prior to introducing Paul Simon, who sang..."Bridge Over Troubled Water." nonadult New Jersey Senator Corey Booker took the stage Monday to endorse Hillary Clinton and ask that the nation answer the "high call of patriotism." "We can't devolve into a nation where our highest aspiration is that we just tolerate each other," he said. "We are not called to be a nation of tolerance. We are called to be a nation of love." nonadult First Lady Michelle Obama endorsed Hillary Clinton for her own history-making bid for president in a powerful speech that tied the country's first black presidency to the potential legacy of a woman as its leader. Appearing on the opening day of an at times raucous and fractious Democratic convention, Obama drew on the intimate experience of being a parent to articulate her vision for the future of the country. "With every word we utter, with every action we take, we know our kids are watching us," she said. "Barack and I take that same approach to our jobs as president and first lady because we know that our words and actions matter, not just to our girls, but the children across this country." The "hateful language they hear from public figures on TV does not represent the true spirit of this country," she added in a dig at Trump's brutish brand. "Our motto is, when they go low, we go high," she said. She told the cheering crowd that the election "is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of their lives." "I am you tonight because in this election, there is only one person who I trust with that responsibility," Michelle continued. "Only one person who I believe is truly qualified to be president of the United States and that is our friend Hillary Clinton." The first lady also wove Clinton's disappointing loss in 2008 with the resiliency that has defined generations of black people who have survived violence and dehumanization, only to continually reshape the country for the better. "Leaders like Hillary Clinton have the guts and the grace to keep coming back and putting those cracks in the highest and hardest glass ceiling until they finally breakthrough lifting all of us along with her," she said. "That is the story of this country. The story that has brought me to the stage tonight." "The sting of segregation who caps on striving and hoping and doing what needed to be done so that today, I wake up every morning and a house that was built by slaves. And I watch my daughter's, two beautiful intelligent black young women play with the dog on the White House lawn. And because of Hillary Clinton, my daughters and all of our sons and daughters now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States." "Don't let anyone ever tell you that this country is not great," she said closing, "because this right now is the greatest country on Earth." <i>—Leticia Miranda and Jason Wells</i> nonadult Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who many consider a rising star in the Democratic party, delivered the DNC's keynote address on Monday. Warren used her platform at the DNC to not only endorse Hillary Clinton, but deliver a stinging indictment of Donald Trump as someone who uses fear mongering and hate to divide, rather then unite, the nation. Warren, who has appeared at campaign events with Clinton as an attack dog surrogate, wasted no time going after the GOP nominee during her speech, referring to him as "a man who cares only for himself, every minute of every day." Warren, a darling of liberal progressives who endorsed Hillary Clinton soon after she became the presumptive nominee, slammed Trump as someone "who has never sacrificed anything for anyone." "We're here today because our choice is Hillary Clinton. I'm with Hillary," Warren said. However, as she began to praise Clinton, Bernie Sanders supporters started chiding Warren from the audience with chants of "we trusted you." But Warren, unphased, went to to address the income gap in America, calling the system is "rigged." "America isn't going broke," Warren said. "There's lots of wealth in America. It isn't trickling down to hardworking families like yours." However, she also rejected the generalization that there is gridlock in Washington. "Gridlock. That is just flat wrong. Washington works great for people at the top," Warren said. When it comes to the concerns of the wealthy, big banks, and big corporations, she noted, "Washington got it done." Warren, however, saved her harshest blows for Trump, criticizing him for failing to put forth any detailed policy proposals at such a late stage in the campaign. "Other than talking about building a stupid wall, which will never get built, other than that wall, did you hear any actual ideas? Did you hear even one solid proposal from Trump for increasing incomes or improving your kids' education? Or creating even one single good paying job?" Warren said. "Let's face it, Donald Trump has no plans...no plans to make anything great for anyone except rich guys like Donald Trump." <i>—Jason Wells and Mike Hayes</i> nonadult After a day of trying to quell floor demonstrations among his own delegates, Bernie Sanders on Monday took the podium to double down with an unequivocal endorsement of his former rival, Hillary Clinton. "I understand that many people here in this convention hall and around the country are disappointed about the final results of the nominating process," he said. "I think it's fair to say that no one is more disappointed than I am." But, he noted, his campaign and its supporters had started a political revolution that would extend beyond the current race. "This election is not about, and has never been about, Hillary Clinton, or Donald Trump, or Bernie Sanders or any of the other candidates who sought the presidency," Sanders said. "This election is about — and must be about — the needs of the American people and the kind of future we create for our children and grandchildren." To that end, Clinton "must become the next president of the United States," Sanders said to enthusiastic applause. nonadult nonadult Hundreds of men and women shared a big, busy "all-gender restroom" at the Democratic National Convention on Monday — and were seemingly unfazed by the experience. "It doesn't make me nervous at all," Lula Dualeh, a delegate for Bernie Sanders, told BuzzFeed News. "I just need to use the restroom. I don't care who's next to me." But restrooms have been a hot-button issue for many Republicans. State and federal politicians have politicized bathroom access, saying that allowing transgender women — whom they call "men" — to use the women's restroom poses a safety threat. Nobody who spoke to BuzzFeed News found the situation troubling. Read more about how the restroom was received <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/dominicholden/people-were-unfazed-by-this-all-gender-restroom-at-the-democ?utm_term=.bjdrLgjyJ#.wvJrDJ78d">here</a>. <i>—Dominic Holden</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult After Clinton announced the Virginia senator would be her running mate, Kaine spoke on Saturday in Miami and <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/rubycramer/hillary-clinton-tim-kaine-vice-president?utm_term=.scdQWkvWKM#.ogy0JQbJEl">addressed the crowd in Spanish</a> at several points, emphasizing that they would work together on immigration reform. <i>— Michelle Broder Van Dyke and Adrian Carrasquillo</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Clinton delegate and Georgia State Sen. Valencia Seay, said that Bernie supporters, as Democrats, should follow his lead since he endorsed Hillary. But Alexa Vaca and Susana Duran, both delegates from Georgia, are Sanders supporters and said they don't believe in Hillary nonadult Sanjay Patel, a Florida delegate, lit up the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia with a hand-made jacket studded with lights that read, "Feel the Bern." Patel told BuzzFeed News that he bought the Stafford jacket new for $150 and bought $50 in supplies to show his support for Bernie Sanders. "I think I made it better," he said about altering the jacket. The glowing fashionista said he was hopeful that there "would be an opening" for Sanders to make a comeback at the convention in light of the Debbie Wasserman Schultz leaked email <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiakoerner/dnc-chair-debbie-wasserman-schultz-stepping-down-amid-email">scandal</a>. "I think there should be an opening considering the election wasn't fairly conducted," he said, adding "it's shameful the election wasn't fair from the outset." The battery-powered threads took about three days to create, he said. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult The chant broke out when Booker talked about the need for criminal justice reform. "[Hillary Clinton] knows something that I fight for everyday. That our criminal justice system desperately needs reform," Booker said. "That we need to bring back fairness to a system that still, as Professor Bryan Stevenson says, treats you better if you're rich and guilty than if you're poor and innocent." nonadult nonadult nonadult Not even Sarandon could disagree. Read about the reaction <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/leticiamiranda/susan-sarandon-a-sanders-supporter-is-really-not-feeling-thi?utm_term=.dfd2QKYEa#.axL2Vz86R">here</a>. <i>—Leticia Miranda</i> nonadult <i>–Michelle Broder Van Dyke and Jim Dalrymple II</i> nonadult As chants of "shame" threatened to completely drown out her speech, Wasserman Schultz relinquished the microphone. <i>—David Mack</i> nonadult nonadult <i>—Tasneem Nashrulla</i> nonadult <i>—Tasneem Nashrulla</i> nonadult Former Vice President Al Gore tweeted that he won't be attending this year's Democratic convention, but that he is supporting Hillary Clinton. Gore's name was floated as a <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/al-gore-insiders-figuring-out-if-theres-a-path-for-him-to-ru?utm_term=.noq4JxaYx#.crYV4J0jJ">possible 2016 presidential nominee</a>, but he ultimately decided not to throw his hat into the ring. In 2008, Gore famously stayed out of the Democratic primary and only endorsed <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/17/nation/na-campaign17">Barack Obama</a> after he had secured the nomination. —<i>Ellie Hall</i> nonadult Alexa Vaca and Susana Duran nonadult nonadult <i>—Jim Dalrymple II</i> nonadult Police have shut down the subway station near the convention, on Pattison Avenue. <i>—Bob Marshall</i> nonadult <i>—Ruby Cramer</i> nonadult "It is what our voters expect and it is what our party deserves," she said of the vote. Despite her support for the Sanders campaign, Russell pressed for unity to ensure a Democrat is elected president in November. "I will always stand strong with Bernie Sanders," she said. "And I will also do everything I can do this fall to elect Hillary so we have a Democrat in the White House." <i>—Leticia Miranda</i> nonadult nonadult Melissa Arab, a Bernie supporter who booed Cummings, told BuzzFeed News that she interrupted the speech because Clinton "is not our nominee." "She stole the election," Arab said. She pointed to the "inconsistencies in the exit polls, voter suppression, voters being removed from — stripped from the registration rolls right before the primaries, people being blocked, changing rules at the caucuses." Arab, along with Al Benchich and Leesha Fagan who also support Sanders, allege the "voting irregularities" occurred across the US — in Arizona, New York, California —after Sanders pulled off an upset win in the Michigan primary. Arab, Benchich, and Fagan said they would not vote for Clinton if she wins the nomination. "It's not going to happen," Arab said. "They're splitting the party." <i>—Leticia Miranda and Emma Loop</i> nonadult nonadult "King pointed to the mountain top. Kennedy pointed to the moon. From Seneca Falls to those who stood at Stonewall Inn. Giants before us said in a chorus of conviction, America, we will rise!" nonadult Sanders' hearty and direct endorsement of someone who remains deeply unpopular with many in his base came on the same day the Democratic National Committee apologized for hacked emails that appeared to show a strong bias toward the Vermont senator's campaign. <i>—Jason Wells</i> nonadult <i>—Jim Dalrymple</i> nonadult Duran rejected the notion that not voting for Hillary is a vote for Trump. "I refuse to vote for Hillary out of fear of Trump," she added. As a child of immigrants, Duran said she is worried for her parents future under both Hillary and Trump. And Vaca said the "ship has sailed" on whether Hillary can win over Bernie supporters. <i>—Mary Ann Georgantopoulos </i> nonadult Kelly Jacobs, a delegate from Mississippi, was dressed head-to-toe in partisan swag. She told BuzzFeed News she was wearing one of six Obama-themed dresses that she handmade. She said she made six Hillary-themed dresses. Her green full-brimmed hat held a bouquet of lime green flowers at the front. The back of her hat was emblazoned with "President Hillary" in blue in silver letters. nonadult nonadult nonadult <i>- Jason Wells and Mike Hayes</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult <i>—Mike Hayes</i> nonadult <i>— Leticia Miranda, Emma Loop and Mary Ann Georgantopoulos</i> nonadult <i>—Mike Hayes and Jim Dalrymple II</i> nonadult <i>Correction: An earlier version of this post said 40 people were arrested. They were actually issues citations for disorderly conduct.</i> nonadult Here's What You Need To Know About Day One Of The Republican Convention https://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeednews/rnc-day-1?utm_term=4ldqpia Reporting from Cleveland: Bim Adewunmi, Rosie Gray, Tarini Parti, Evan McMorris-Santoro, Darren Sands, Adrian Carrasquillo, McKay Coppins, Matt Stopera, Paul McLeod, Jim Dalrymple, and Mike Hayes.

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeednews/rnc-day-1 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 07:15:03 -0400 Reporting from Cleveland: Bim Adewunmi, Rosie Gray, Tarini Parti, Evan McMorris-Santoro, Darren Sands, Adrian Carrasquillo, McKay Coppins, Matt Stopera, Paul McLeod, Jim Dalrymple, and Mike Hayes. buzzfeednews nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult Update nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Trump attends the South Florida Tax Day Tea Party Rally on April 16, 2011, in Boca Raton, Florida. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Reporters said there were boos and shouting on the floor, with many chanting, "roll call vote!" Some delegates from Colorado even walked out in protest, <a href="https://twitter.com/KilloughCNN/status/755137590479683588?lang=en">CNN</a> reported. nonadult nonadult CLEVELAND — Calling Ohio "ground zero" for voting restrictions that could disenfranchise thousands of voters, Rep. Jim Clyburn said the 2016 election is the "most consequential decision" of his lifetime at a panel on voting rights Monday. Clyburn, who appeared at the panel discussion titled "United States of Voting", hosted by Rep. Marcia Fudge at Cleveland State University, stressed the magnitude of the election during the Republican National Convention going on just down the road. "I hear people telling me that they're so upset over what happened in the Congress [over voting rights] that they're going to boycott the voting in November," Clyburn said. "But remember this: When you wake up on November 9, somebody is going to be elected. Whether or not you participate in that process, there is going to be an election and you've got have to ask yourself if you're going to sit at home leaving it up to somebody else to make what is the most consequential decision of my lifetime." Clyburn said the balance of the Supreme Court could affect immigration policy and a woman's right to chose. The panel was moderated by MSNBC's Joy Ann Reid and also featured Rep. Bennie Thompson, Ohio State Rep. Stephanie Howse, Julie Fernandes of Open Society Foundations,Camille Wimbish of Ohio Voice, and Mike Brickner of ACLU Ohio. -Darren Sands nonadult nonadult The Secret Service said some train staffers were in a fender bender after the candidate departed New York for Cleveland. There were no injuries. nonadult A lead donor who is raising money for Trump quit Monday after chaos broke out on the convention floor. Gary Emineth, a former North Dakota GOP chair, told <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/288227-trump-fundraiser-resigns-in-anger-after-floor-eruption"><i>The Hill</i></a> he thought the Republican National Committee and campaign worked together to kill a vote that could have led to delegates voting for whomever they wanted — leading to moments of mayhem on the convention floor. <blockquote>"I was on the Trump finance committee and I just resigned because that bully tactic is absurd," Emineth said. "I just texted them right now. Why can't the people be heard? I've been texting Reince for 10 minutes. He said we didn't have the votes. We had 10, 1l states. They peeled people back. They were calling delegations asking people to step off the committee. You don't do this in America. You do this in other countries."</blockquote> Read more <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/288227-trump-fundraiser-resigns-in-anger-after-floor-eruption">here</a>. nonadult nonadult CLEVELAND — Anti-Trump delegates staged their last stand on the convention floor on Monday — and came up short, prompting minutes of televised disruptions and confusion in the aftermath as delegates tried to determine exactly what happened. Their goal was to force the convention to hold a roll call vote that they hoped would reject convention rules, which include clauses requiring delegates to vote for the candidate to which they're bound — and, just as importantly, would become a live televised showcase of anti-Trump discontent. Those rules were agreed upon in a lengthy committee meeting last week, a vote that dashed the anti-Trump delegates' hopes of becoming unbound and voting their conscience. On Monday, down to their final hopes, anti-Trump leaders said they had enough support to force a roll call vote of all delegates, but they were foiled at the last minute. <i> —Rosie Gray and Tarini Parti</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult The former political adviser that Trump is bringing arbitration proceedings against for allegedly leaking confidential campaign information to the <i>New York Post</i> once provided the presidential contender with intel on political journalists. BuzzFeed News' McKay Coppins obtained a copy of the document titled "Trump reporter assessments 2014" that Sam Nunberg compiled back in April 2014. The document looks into the 67 journalists who were credentialed to attend the New Hampshire Freedom Summit and gave Trump a heads up on who to talk to and who to avoid. In two cases, Nunberg included information about journalists' personal romantic relationships, and their partners' political leanings. Check <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/mckaycoppins/here-are-the-notes-donald-trump-was-given-about-political-re?utm_term=.efb2aYGp2#.jk7ZGkRQZ">here</a> for the complete story. nonadult Mike Pence wrote an op-ed that the Disney film <i>Mulan</i> was just an attempt to influence the debate over women in the military. BuzzFeed News' Andrew Kaczynski uncovered the op-ed, which was published in 1999 on the website for a talk radio program that Pence used to host. "I suspect that some mischievous liberal at Disney assumes that Mulan's story will cause a quiet change in the next generation's attitude about women in combat and they just might be right," Pence wrote. Read the full story <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/mister-ill-make-a-man-out-of-you?utm_term=.qu3gA1Zrg#.xfx7Yone7">here</a>. nonadult There was talk that Bill Clinton's rape accuser Juanita Broaddrick would attend the Republican convention but she told BuzzFeed News that she would not be there. "Just a rumor," she wrote in an email. Despite Broaddrick's absence, Bill Clinton's sexual misconduct will <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/14/us/politics/republican-convention-speakers-donald-trump.html?_r=0">reportedly</a> be on display at the convention. BuzzFeed News' Kyle Blain has the full story <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/kyleblaine/despite-rumors-bill-clinton-rape-accuser-is-not-attending-tr?utm_term=.aurB7YQoB#.tgdMgRVzM">here</a>. nonadult From political power brokers to the entire island of Manhattan, a varied cast of taunting insiders has inadvertently driven Donald Trump's lifelong revenge march toward the White House. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/mckaycoppins/how-the-haters-made-trump?utm_term=.cxdAQrBOq#.dgbLEyKpA">This</a> is what it's like to be one of them. <i>—McKay Coppins</i> nonadult As executive director of a conservative think tank in Indiana, Mike Pence <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/mike-pence-criticized-bush-41-in-an-editorial-for-signing-ci?utm_term=.bhyX2B4lK#.bfvqr0lAo">wrote</a> an editorial sharply criticizing then-President George H.W. Bush for signing the 1991 Civil Rights Act Pence's 1992 op-ed in a local Indiana paper, uncovered by BuzzFeed News, is an early example of the activism that would make Pence a favorite among many in the conservative movement. Donald Trump's decision to pick Pence as his running mate was made in part to appeal to conservatives who had been hesitant to back him. <i>—Andrew Kaczynski </i> nonadult Trump had claimed on many occasions that he had donated "man millions of dollars" to United Cerebral Palsy. He even said he gave the charity a building. But BuzzFeed News' Andrew Kaczynski reveals that the building's deed shows that Trump's parents were actually to ones who donated the building. Read the full story <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/records-contradict-trumps-claims-of-charitable-giving-to-a-d?utm_term=.mn1EDYk46#.pgKwXyzgv">here</a>. nonadult BuzzFeed News political podcast No One Knows Anything has a special episode out Monday to kick off coverage of the convention. Listen <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-one-knows-anything/id1106215850?mt=2">here</a> to find out what BuzzFeed News' reporters will be following this week, from primetime speeches to #NeverTrump delegates to protests and security. nonadult <blockquote>Arizona Sen. John McCain says President Obama "allowed" the Bastille Day attack in Nice that left at least 84 people dead to happen, blaming his policies towards ISIS for failing "America and the world." "As far as the tragedy in France is concerned, obviously this is an act of mayhem and despicable," the Arizona senator told KTAR's 92.3FM's Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes on Friday. "I also have to tell you — our prayers are with the families, obviously, and the French people — but I also have to tell you, that as long as we have a leadership in this country — the president of the United States — who allowed this to happen, his policies are directly responsible for ISIS and ISIS is responsible for these attacks."</blockquote> <i>—Andrew Kaczynski </i> nonadult <blockquote>CINCINNATI — Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown joined calls on Monday for Gov. John Kasich to find a way to temporarily restrict state gun laws for the duration of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. The head of Cleveland's police union, concerned about violence and unrest in the wake of this summer's deadly shootings against officers, sent a letter to Kasich urging that he suspend open-carry laws in Cuyahoga County until the RNC concludes at the end of this week. Brown, the Democratic senator from this state, argued that Kasich could do so by calling a special session of the state legislature. "I would hope that the governor would listen to the police union and suspend conceal and open carry in Ohio, in Cleveland, during this convention," Brown said, speaking to reporters outside the annual NAACP conference here in Cincinnati. "I know the governor could call a hurried special session, get the legislature to Columbus, like, tonight or tomorrow and do this."</blockquote> <i> —Ruby Cramer</i> nonadult Supporters and protesters are out in Cleveland ahead of the start of the RNC. nonadult Stephen Colbert crashed the stage at the Republican National Convention Sunday night dressed as Caesar Flickerman from "The Hunger Games." An onlooker captured the moment and posted it to YouTube. "[Trump] has formed an alliance with Indiana governor Mike Pence," Colbert said in character as Flickerman, before pausing and feigning sleep. "Sorry, I blacked out there for a moment." He then banged a gavel and said, "It is my honor to hereby launch and begin the 2016 Republican National Hungry For Power Games" Check <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/so-stephen-colbert-crashed-the-rnc-dressed-as?utm_term=.blQZxXeod#.bsVAma095">here</a> for the full story and video. <i>–Ellie Hall</i> nonadult <blockquote>CLEVELAND — The runners-up that Donald Trump (very) publicly considered and rejected for the vice-presidential spot both spoke in Cleveland on Monday — and both are standing by their man. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie lavished praise on Trump while addressing the New York delegation, in Gingrich's case; and the Michigan delegation, in Christie's. (Tennessee senator Bob Corker, who was also at one point on Trump's shortlist before removing himself, also spoke at the New York breakfast.) Gingrich highlighted Trump's populist makeover of the Republican Party and claimed he is growing the party by a drastic margin, saying "the challenge for Republicans is to accept the idea that the Republican Party… will be 30 or 40% bigger than it is today and it will all be strangers." The party will be "people you're not used to, they'll talk in ways you're not used to, they'll behave in ways you're not used to," Gingrich said.</blockquote> Read the full story <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/rosiegray/donald-trump-might-have-broken-newt-and-christies-hearts-but?utm_term=.usX3b8oA0#.rfqKAXV1l">here</a>. <i>–Rosie Gray and Tarini Parti</i> nonadult The convention began with a moment of silence for fallen police officers. nonadult Peter Di Rocco and Nathan Paikai from the Hawaii Leadership Team. nonadult Donald Trump's running mate Mike Pence maintained a blog on a host of different websites in the 1990s when he was hosting a conservative talk radio show in Indiana. Through a review of the Internet archive, BuzzFeed News has <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/mike-pence-railed-against-adultery-otters-and-paula-jones-in?utm_term=.avRWndRjq#.iqMXnArok">uncovered</a> some of those blog posts, which provide insight into Pence's career before public service as a host of The Mike Pence Show. Archived websites from the 1990s are sporadic, and those found only represent a tiny fraction of the posts Pence did. <i>—Andrew Kaczynski</i> nonadult BuzzFeed culture writer Bim Adewunmi's first dispatch from Cleveland is a look at the t-shirt vendors cashing in at the RNC. "There's no trademark on Trump, except for maybe that 'Make America Great Again' thing," one vendor said. <i>—Bim Adewunmi</i> nonadult <b>Monday</b> Theme: Make America Safe Again <b> Headline Speakers:</b> Actor Scott Baio Rudy Giuliani Former governor of Texas Rick Perry "Duck Dynasty" star Willie Robertson Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn Senator Joni Ernst Representative Ryan Zinke Melania Trump <b>Tuesday</b> Theme: Make America Work Again <b>Headline Speakers:</b> Ben Carson Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Actress Kimberlin Brown Donald Trump Jr. <b>Wednesday</b> Theme: Make America First Again <b> Headline Speakers:</b> Eric Trump Senator Ted Cruz Newt Gingrich and Callista Gingrich Mike Pence <b>Thursday </b>Theme: Make America One Again <b>Headline speakers:</b> Peter Thiel Reince Priiebus Ivanka Trump Donald Trump nonadult Ohio governor John Kasich said Donald Trump "would have to change everything that he says" in order to speak at the convention. In an interview with NBC's Lester Holt, Kasich said he has no intention of speaking during this week's convention. "He'd have to change everything that he says," Kasich said. "We can't be attacking Muslims and Hispanics, and trying to shut down trade, and not caring about the debt. Those are all problems for me. And so it's not — I don't hold any personal animus towards Donald Trump. We just are two companies that have different values, different directions, and different philosophies." <i> —Mary Ann Georgantopoulos</i> nonadult The vote would allow delegates from each state to individually vote yes or no on the rules of the convention, rather than voting as a group. This would allow those opposed to Trump to express their opinion he shouldn't be the candidate and that the delegates should be untethered. The chair of the convention at one point left the stage for several minutes during the melee. The situation led to a lot of confusion. "I'm not being coy here I have no idea what's going on right now," Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, a Ted Cruz supporter, told CNN. <i> -Stephanie McNeal</i> nonadult Samaria Rice, whose 12-year-old son Tamir Rice was shot dead by a white Cleveland police officer in 2014, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/18/tamir-rice-mother-samaria-donald-trump-republican-national-convention">told</a> <i>The Guardian</i> that she had decided to leave her home city while the RNC takes it over for the weekend. "Donald Trump doesn't really care about the murders of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and other young men," Rice said. "I don't really think that he has a need to care, because I don't believe that he cares for African American people anyway." Instead of watching Trump "bring his entourage down here to mess up this beautiful city," the 39-year-old said, she will be in New York to join Eric Garner's family in mourning the two year anniversary of his death in police custody. — <i>Ema O'Connor</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Prophets of Rage, a band made up of members of the famous metal and rap groups Cypress Hill, Rage Against the Machine, and Public Enemy —&nbsp;rap-rock groups famous in the late '80s and '90s — gave a free concert outside the convention in an effort to protest Trump. nonadult nonadult King, from Iowa, made the comments while discussing racial diversity in his party on MSNBC's Republican convention coverage. King said he was tired of the discussion. "I would ask you to go back through history and figure out where are these contributions that have been made by these other categories of people that you are talking about, where did any other subgroup of people contribute more to civilization?" he asked the panel. "Than white people," host Chris Hayes asked. "Than Western civilization itself," King responded. nonadult Reality television show <i>Duck Dynasty</i> star Willie Robertson opened the convention's speeches by launching into a list of similarities between him and Trump. "We're both successful business men, we both have had hit television shows, and we both have intelligent wives who are much better looking than we are," Willie Robertson said, setting up for the much anticipated speech by Melania Trump. Robertson said that he supports Trump because the business man knows how to "speak to middle America," unlike "experts" in the media who did not get on the "Trump train," he said. "When I tell them I'm from Louisiana they start talking all loud and slow," Robertson said, referring to the "liberal media." Trump, the TV personality said, knows how to talk to "regular people like me." Robertson concluded his speech by saying that growing up "with rednecks," he knows what it's like to get into "occasional disagreements ... sometimes leading to fisticuffs," but it also made him value honesty. "Trump may not always tell you what you want to hear ... and it may not always be politically correct," Robertson said, "but Trump will also tell you the truth." Robertson is the CEO of Duck Commander which cells duck-hunting merchandise. — <i>Ema O'Connor</i> nonadult Perry shared the story of how he and his wife Enid met serviceman Marcus Luttrell before his tour in Iraq that won him the Navy Cross and Purple Heart. "His love for America came through loud and clear," Perry said, describing the day that Texan Lutrell gave the governor and his wife a tour of a Navy base in San Diego. "As we departed that day, I told him, kind of in passing, if you're ever in Austen, come by and see us." Perry said that this meeting was "by the grace of God," and described how he and Lutrell kept in touch during his deployments. When Lutrell returned, Perry said, "Darned if he didn't just show up on our doorstep at the Governor's Mansion unannounced with no where else to go. We welcomed him into our home, we helped him get the care that he needed and today he's like a second son." "Too few of you know the battles that he and thousands of veterans just like him face when they come," Perry said. "Tonight our commitment is this: making America great again means taking care of our veterans." Perry, notably, didn't mention Trump during his remarks. The former Texas governor <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/rick-perry-trumps-candidacy-cancer-conservatism">previously called</a> Trump's candidacy a "cancer." Luttrell said, "I challenge all of you to fight for this country and for each and every one of us. Look, the world, outside of our borders, is a dark place, a scary place. America is the light. And her people are the goodness that grows from that. She'll always be worth fighting for and it was my greatest honor to fight for her every day of my adult life." "To the next generation...Your war is here," he said. "Your people are afraid. I stand among you, walking." — <i>Ellie Hall</i> nonadult The <i>Happy Days</i> and <i>Charles in Charge</i> actor told the Republican National Convention that Hillary Clinton was only running for herself, while Donald Trump wants to give back. "{He is] a man doing this from the goodness of his heart who genuinely wants to help," he said. Baio confirmed, however, that Trump is just a man. "Is Donald Trump a messiah?" he asked the crowd. "No, he's just a man, a man who wants to give back to his country America that has given him so much." He added that Trump will fix all of the problems currently facing America. "There's no stability, nothing seems right and all the things that we hold dear are being attacked every single day," Baio said. "We cannot go down this road anymore, we need to stop, we need Donald Trump to fix this." nonadult nonadult McCaul, the House Homeland Security Committee chairman, had a little trouble staying on tempo with the crowd during the chant. During his speech, he said Trump was the only candidate who can keep Americans safe. "This is a dangerous liberal agenda, its time to take back our country and make America safe again," he said. nonadult Sheriff David Clarke of Wisconsin began his speech in support of Trump by mourning the police who recently were killed by lone shooters in Dallas, Texas and Baton Rouge. "I would like to make something very clear," Clarke began. "Blue Lives Matter!" He added that thankfully there is some good news for law enforcement this week, "Brian Rice was acquitted on all charges," the Sheriff said, referring to one of the officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray. Clarke went on to speak about US communities, including black Americans, feeling unsafe in their communities. "Sometimes Black Lives Matter demonstrations transcends peaceful protest and violates the code of social conduct we live on," Clarke said. "I call it anarchy." Clarke concluded Trump is the one candidate who can ensure that no American is above the law, and that he will "make sure all people feel they are being treated respectfully and fairly by law enforcement." nonadult El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn, who is the Republican nominee for US Senate in Colorado, defended the #BlueLivesMatter movement as he addressed the RNC in Cleveland. "Quite frankly, somebody with a nice tan needs to say this: All lives matter," Glenn said to enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Glenn also said Hillary Clinton was "unfit to be president." "We all know she loves her pantsuits," he said. "But we should send her an email and tell her that she deserves a bright orange jumpsuit." <i> —Ellie Hall</i> nonadult — "I arrived in New York City 20 years ago and I saw both the joys and hardships of daily life. On July 28th, 2006, I was very proud to become citizen of the United States. The greatest privilege on planet Earth. I cannot, or will not take the freedoms this country offers for granted, but these freedoms have come with a price so many times." — "Let's all come together in a national campaign like no other. The race will be hard fought all the way to November. There will be good times and hard times and unexpected turns. It will not be a trump contest without excitement and drama." — "These are the values Donald and I will bring to the white house. My husband is ready to lead this great nation. He's ready to fight every day to give our children the better future they deserve. Ladies and gentlemen, Donald J. Trump is ready to serve and lead this country as the next president of the United States." nonadult Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani praised Donald Trump's ability to lead and defend the U.S. in a raucous speech on the convention stage. "What I did for New York, Donald Trump will do for America," he said amid cheers and chants. Giuliani described Trump as a personal friend for 30 years and a man with a "big heart" who had over the years helped those in need. "This is a very good and decent man, and he will be a great president," Giuliani said. To boos from the crowd, Giuliani panned Hillary Clinton's record during and after the Benghazi attack, as well as her stance on immigration. "Who would trust Hillary Clinton to protect them?" he asked. "I wouldn't. Would you?" <i>—Claudia Koerner</i> nonadult nonadult Trump's entrance into the Republican Convention was...something. nonadult nonadult Melania Trump delivered a rare speech Monday on the first night of the Republican National Convention about her husband Donald Trump, which shared an almost identical section to first lady Michelle Obama's Democratic convention speech in 2008. The presumptive Republican nominee's wife discussed the hard work instilled by her parents, treating people with respect, and wanting a better future for children — which were all apparently things she took from Michelle Obama's address. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/mbvd/melania-trumps-speech-appears-to-have-plagiarized-from-miche?utm_term=.rn387gYGJ#.ut9wLKpeb">Read the full story</a> nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult (h/t <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/rnc-2016-schedule-of-events-and-speakers-225704">Politico</a>) nonadult nonadult The Republican National Convention got off to a lively start Monday when some of the delegates started shouting for a roll call vote on nomination rules, and people are loving the drama. <i> —Stephanie McNeal</i> nonadult <i>—Stephanie McNeal</i> nonadult <i>—Tom Namako</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult Patricia Smith, whose son Sean Smith was killed in the 2012 Benghazi attacks, gave an emotional speech that culminated in a call for HIllary Clinton to go to jail. "The last time I talked to Sean, the night before the terrorist attack, he told me, Mom, I am going to die," Smith said. "All security had been pulled from the embassy, he explained. And when he asked why, he never received a response. Nobody listened. Nobody seemed to care," she continued to boos from the audience. "Hillary Clinton is a woman, a mother and a grandmother of two," Smith continued, growing visibly emotional. "I am a woman, a mother and a grandmother of two. How could she do this to me?" Clinton's handling of the Benghazi attacks has been a central GOP focus during her campaign. In late June, the task force investigating Clinton found <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/tasneemnashrulla/benghazi-committee-report">no evidence of wrongdoing</a> on her behalf. The RNC devoted three segments —&nbsp;three live speakers and a video —&nbsp;to addressing Benghazi, "If Hillary Clinton can't give us the truth, why should we give her the presidency?" Smith concluded the longest speech delivered that far in the convention to cheers. "That's right. Hillary for prison. She deserves to be in stripes." <i> —Ema O'Connor</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult <i>-Stephanie McNeal</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Shortly before the free concert, the group <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=155&amp;v=n29LR6UCjVw">released a self-titled song</a>, "Prophets of Rage," which is&nbsp;an updated version of Public Enemy's 1988 hit "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back." The band formed out of frustration with the current political state of the US, former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/prophets-of-rage-inside-new-ratm-public-enemy-cypress-hill-supergroup-20160531">told</a> <i>Rolling Stone</i> in May. "We're not a supergroup," Morello said. "We're an elite task force of revolutionary musicians determined to confront this mountain of election year bullshit, and confront it head-on with Marshall stacks blazing." nonadult nonadult nonadult Florida delegate Dana Dougherty holds a Donald Trump doll. nonadult nonadult Follow BuzzFeed News reporters <a href="https://www.twitter.com/michaelhayes">Mike Hayes</a>, <a href="https://www.twitter.com/mckaycoppins">McKay Coppins</a> , <a href="https://www.twitter.com/jimdalrympleII">Jim Dalrymple II</a>, and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/pdmcleod">Paul McLeod</a> for live updates. nonadult Texans Karen Hale, left, of Guadalupe County, and JoAnn McCracken, whose business card simply reads "Patriot." <i>—Maggie Schultz</i> nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult —&nbsp;<i>Ema O'Connor</i> nonadult —&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/o_ema"><i>Ema O'Connor</i></a> nonadult nonadult What We Know So Far About The Dallas Shooter https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/heres-everything-we-know-about-the-dallas-shooter?utm_term=4ldqpia Dallas police said Micah Johnson, 25, from Mesquite, Texas, was the lone gunman who fatally shot five police officers and wounded seven others. Johnson was killed following a standoff with police.

Police said Friday that Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, launched an attack on police officers that left five officers dead and 7 wounded. Two civilians were also injured.

Police said Friday that Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, launched an attack on police officers that left five officers dead and 7 wounded. Two civilians were also injured.

Micah Johnson / Facebook / Via This account has been deleted

Citing law enforcement officials, CBS News reported Friday that Johnson carried a SKS semi-automatic assault rifle and handgun, and wore body armor while carrying out the attacks.

Police said the suspect’s home, detectives found bomb making materials, ballistic vests, rifles, ammunition, and a personal journal of combat tactics, which law enforcement officials are analyzing.

In a press conference Friday, Dallas Police Chief David Brown said that, before his death, Johnson told officers that he was upset about the recent killings of black people by the police.

“The suspect said he was upset about Black Lives Matter,” Brown said. “He was upset about the recent shootings. The suspect said he was upset at white people. The suspect stated he wanted to kill white people, especially white officers.”

BuzzFeed News confirmed that Johnson was a member of the Army Reserves and served one tour in Afghanistan.

BuzzFeed News confirmed that Johnson was a member of the Army Reserves and served one tour in Afghanistan.

Nicole Johnson / Facebook / Via facebook.com

In a statement to BuzzFeed News, the Army said that Johnson, from Mesquite, Texas, served between March 2009 and April 2015.

He was a carpentry and masonry specialist in the 420th Engineer Brigade, based out of Seagoville, Texas. Johnson achieved the rank of a Private First Class (E3).

He was deployed to Afghanistan between November 2013 and July 2014. He was awarded several medals for his service, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, though he never saw combat.

The "combat journal" found in his home detailed studies of "shoot and move tactics," despite never having seen combat as a soldier, Dallas County's chief executive Judge Clay Jenkins said.

“It’s a concept of wanting to move from vantage point to vantage point, without being pinned down in one location, to inflict as much damage as possible,” Jenkins said.

The journal was the strongest evidence that Johnson acted alone, independent from any organization or group, Jenkins added.

The Department of Homeland Security on Friday confirmed that Johnson was the lone shooter and had no known links to any international terrorist organization.

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/heres-everything-we-know-about-the-dallas-shooter Fri, 08 Jul 2016 15:11:13 -0400 Dallas police said Micah Johnson, 25, from Mesquite, Texas, was the lone gunman who fatally shot five police officers and wounded seven others. Johnson was killed following a standoff with police. ellievhall nonadult nonadult Citing law enforcement officials, CBS News reported Friday that Johnson carried a SKS semi-automatic assault rifle and handgun, and wore body armor while carrying out the attacks. <a href="https://dpdbeat.com/2016/07/08/investigative-update-regarding-the-deadly-attack-on-police-officers/">Police said the suspect’s home</a>, detectives found bomb making materials, ballistic vests, rifles, ammunition, and a personal journal of combat tactics, which law enforcement officials are analyzing. In a press conference Friday, Dallas Police Chief David Brown said that, before his death, Johnson told officers that he was upset about the recent killings of black people by the police. “The suspect said he was upset about Black Lives Matter,” Brown said. “He was upset about the recent shootings. The suspect said he was upset at white people. The suspect stated he wanted to kill white people, especially white officers.” nonadult nonadult In a statement to BuzzFeed News, the Army said that Johnson, from Mesquite, Texas, served between March 2009 and April 2015. He was a carpentry and masonry specialist in the 420th Engineer Brigade, based out of Seagoville, Texas. Johnson achieved the rank of a Private First Class (E3). He was deployed to Afghanistan between November 2013 and July 2014. He was awarded several medals for his service, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, though he never saw combat. The "combat journal" found in his home detailed studies of "shoot and move tactics," despite never having seen combat as a soldier, Dallas County's chief executive Judge Clay Jenkins said. “It’s a concept of wanting to move from vantage point to vantage point, without being pinned down in one location, to inflict as much damage as possible,” Jenkins said. The journal was the strongest evidence that Johnson acted alone, independent from any organization or group, Jenkins added. The Department of Homeland Security on Friday confirmed that Johnson was the lone shooter and had no known links to any international terrorist organization. nonadult Glendening represented Johnson and said he was accused in May 2014. Johnson was sent back to the U.S., according to Glendening, with a recommendation that he receive something other than an honorable discharge. He told the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/09/us/suspect-in-dallas-attack-had-interest-in-black-power-groups.html?hp&amp;action=click&amp;pgtype=Homepage&amp;clickSource=story-heading&amp;module=b-lede-package-region&amp;region=top-news&amp;WT.nav=top-news&amp;_r=0"><i>New York Times</i></a> that the female soldier who accused Johnson of sexual harassment suggested he receive "mental help" and sought a protective order against him. Johnson was going to be removed from the Army in September 2014, Glendening told the AP, but that didn't end up happening. Instead, he was honorably discharged in April 2015. Glendening said he did not know why Johnson was ultimately given an honorable discharge. "They didn't like him, that was very clear from talking to his commander," Glendening told the <i>Times</i>. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult His mother, Delphine Johnson, said she could not think of a specific event that changed her son, but that after he was discharged from the military he turned from a happy, out-going person, to a "hermit." “The military was not what Micah thought it would be,” Delphine said. “He was very disappointed, very disappointed. But it may be that the ideal that he thought of our government, what he thought the military represented, it just didn’t live up to his expectations.” nonadult nonadult The now-deleted Facebook page displayed only five public images, two of which were a stock image of a raised fist in the "Black Power" salute and a picture of the TARDIS from the BBC television show <i>Doctor Who</i>. The profile picture shows Johnson raising his fist outside of a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eccentricelegancespa/info/?entry_point=page_nav_about_item&amp;tab=overview">Dallas beauty salon</a> and the header image is the Pan-African flag. nonadult nonadult The co-founder of the Dallas chapter Baby Omowale said that his Black Panther group "had no idea what the brother's mentality was," adding he believed Johnson was just another lost, young man "searching for knowledge about himself." It turns out that Johnson may have been blacklisted from joining such organizations due to the circumstances of his Army discharge, the <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/07/11/micah-johnson-was-blacklisted-by-black-power-groups-as-unstable.html?via=twitter_page"><i>Daily Beast</i></a> reported. Ken Moore of the Collective Black People's Movement said he had labelled Johnson as "unfit for recruitment" after looking into his background, according to the <i>Daily Beast</i>. Once Moore denied his membership, it pretty much blocked him from joining any other black nationalist and black liberation groups. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Enjoy These Photos Of Prince George Hanging Out With Planes https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/prince-george-hung-out-with-a-bunch-of-planes?utm_term=4ldqpia It’s been a long week, so here’s a few photos of a little prince really enjoying being around a bunch of flying machines.

Soon after the Cambridge family arrived, Prince George appeared to throw a royal tantrum.

Soon after the Cambridge family arrived, Prince George appeared to throw a royal tantrum.

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

But he seemed to cheer up after he put on a set of ear protectors.

But he seemed to cheer up after he put on a set of ear protectors.

Richard Pohle / AFP / Getty Images

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/prince-george-hung-out-with-a-bunch-of-planes Fri, 08 Jul 2016 12:37:39 -0400 It's been a long week, so here's a few photos of a little prince really enjoying being around a bunch of flying machines. ellievhall nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Here's Everything We Know About The Orlando Shooter https://www.buzzfeed.com/emaoconnor/orlando-shooter?utm_term=4ldqpia Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen, open fired in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, early on Sunday, killing 49 and injuring 53.

Omar Mateen / Myspace

Omar Mateen / Myspace

Omar Mateen / Myspace

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/emaoconnor/orlando-shooter Sun, 12 Jun 2016 16:27:58 -0400 Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen, <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliciamelvillesmith/nightclub-shooting-orlando-florida?utm_term=.gsdq6jRAL#.kf6xX7gLz">open fired in a gay nightclub</a> in Orlando, Florida, early on Sunday, killing 49 and injuring 53. emaoconnor nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Mateen, who had been armed with a handgun and AR-15-type rifle, was killed at the scene after a SWAT team stormed the club, Hopper said. But what led him to open fire inside nightclub is something that investigators are continuing to piece together. Mateen was born and raised in New York until his family moved to Port St. Lucie in eastern Florida. He was of Afghan descent. He had worked as a contracted security guard in Florida since 2007 for G4 Security — a company that provides security for federal buildings. G4 Security said in a <a href="http://www.g4s.us/en-US/Resources/News/2016/06/13/G4S%20plc%20%20Statement%20on%20attack%20in%20Orlando%20Florida/">statement</a> Monday that when Matteen was hired he was given a "detailed company screening when he was recruited in 2007 and re-screened in 2013 with no adverse findings." Before becoming a security guard, he worked for the Florida Department of Corrections. Mateen worked at Martin Correctional Institution from October 2006 to April 2007, a department spokesman told BuzzFeed News. In 2009, he married Sitora Yusufiy in New Jersey, but she left him after a few months of marriage when he began physically abusing her, she <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliciamelvillesmith/nightclub-shooting-orlando-florida?utm_term=.haaVyYAygP&amp;sub=4276237_8868818">told</a> reporters Sunday. The divorce wasn't finalized until 2011, government records obtained by BuzzFeed News show. Yusufiy said it took a year and a half for the divorce to go through because she was in New Jersey, while Mateen was in Florida. Yusufiy met Mateen online and, in the beginning, acted normal, but after a few months, "I saw he was bipolar," she said, adding that he "would get mad out of nowhere." She also called him "mentally ill." Yusufiy also told reporters Mateen was pursuing a career as a police officer at the time and that she believed he had worked at a Fort Pierce-based juvenile detention center. Mateen's father, Seddique Mateen, told NBC that a few months ago Mateen was angered by two men kissing in Miami, especially because it took place in front of his three-year-old son. His father has since held his own news conference, telling reporters that the family was totally unaware of any issues. "We are saying we are apologizing for the whole incident," Seddique Mateen said. "We weren't aware of any action he is taking. We are in shock like the whole country." nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Salman is named as Mateen's wife in a mortgage filed in St. Lucie County in September 2013. A neighbor of the couple <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/ex-wife-of-suspected-orlando-shooter-he-beat-me/2016/06/12/8a1963b4-30b8-11e6-8ff7-7b6c1998b7a0_story.html">told</a> the <i>Washington Post</i> that Salman did not wear the hijab or any other type of religious garb. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Speaking from the White House after getting briefed by FBI Director James Comey, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, and other officials, President Obama said Monday there is no evidence that Mateen was directed or part of a larger plot. The investigation into the shooter's motivations, he added, are still in the preliminary phase and that it appears he was "inspired by various extremist information that was disseminated over the internet." nonadult nonadult Comey also gave an update Monday on new information discovered about Matteen. Prior to the attack, Comey said, Mateen made three 911 calls. During his exchange with the dispatcher, Mateen pledged his allegiance to the leader of ISIS, but also claimed solidarity with Boston Marathon bombers and a Florida man who blew himself up in a suicide bombing, Moner Mohammad Abusalha, who was a member of Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. Mateen first came on the FBI's radar after agents were made aware of comments that he made while working as a security guard at a Florida courthouse, Comey said. It was there that Mateen had made comments to coworkers about family connections to al-Qaeda, and that he hoped law enforcement would raid his apartment and kill his wife so that he could then martyr himself, Comey added. Mateen's comments prompted the FBI to open an investigation, which included using a confidential informant, recording his conversations, and conducting two interviews in 2013 and 2014. Asked during the first interview about his comments while working as a security guard, Mateen said he said those things out of anger and because his coworkers were teasing him for being Muslim. The FBI again interviewed Mateen after Abusalha killed himself in Syria while driving a truck packed with explosives into a government outpost and detonating the bombs. But Comey said investigators determined that Matteen only knew Abusalha "casually." "I don't see anything in reviewing our work that our agents should have done differently," Comey said, adding that he would continue to scrutinize the agency's work regarding the Pulse nightclub attack. nonadult nonadult Seddique Mateen announced on his show that he wanted to run for president of Afghanistan. In one recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jWYukosAoE">video</a>, he expresses gratitude toward the Afghan Taliban, while denouncing the Pakistani government, especially the ISI, or Inter-Services Intelligence. Mateen also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=958340010910198&amp;set=a.733350246742510.1073741826.100002026243192&amp;type=3&amp;permPage=1">posted</a> on his Facebook page that he had met with members of Congress from the Foreign Affairs Committee during a hearing on Afghanistan. BuzzFeed News has reached out to the committee, though there is no record of a hearing in which Mateen took part. On Monday, the St. Lucie County court released a <a href="http://stlucieclerk.com/news-room/media-resources">cache</a> of documents, including past lawsuits involving Seddique Mateen — including one involving a debt-buying company and another with an insurance company following a car accident. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Violence Erupts At Trump Rally In Richmond, 5 Arrested https://www.buzzfeed.com/jimdalrympleii/shit-goes-south-at-trump-rally-in-richmond?utm_term=4ldqpia Tensions appeared to escalate Friday night when a Trump supporter entered a crowd of protesters and began shouting. Police said five people were taken into custody.

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/jimdalrympleii/shit-goes-south-at-trump-rally-in-richmond Fri, 10 Jun 2016 21:48:36 -0400 Tensions appeared to escalate Friday night when a Trump supporter entered a crowd of protesters and began shouting. Police said five people were taken into custody. jimdalrympleii nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Protester George Love holds a sign outside the Trump rally in Richmond. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult UCLA Gunman Had "Kill List," Woman On List Found Dead In Minnesota https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiakoerner/ucla-active-shooter?utm_term=4ldqpia The suspected gunman who killed William Klug and then himself also had a second UCLA professor on his so-called “kill list” who was unharmed.

Los Angeles police also said Klug, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, was among two other names on a "kill list" left by Sarkar — Ashley Hasti, the woman he was married to and who was reportedly found dead in Minnesota, and a second UCLA professor who was unharmed.

UCLA

UCLA

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiakoerner/ucla-active-shooter Wed, 01 Jun 2016 13:41:35 -0400 The suspected gunman who killed William Klug and then himself also had a second UCLA professor on his so-called "kill list" who was unharmed. claudiakoerner nonadult Los Angeles police also said Klug, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, was among two other names on a "kill list" left by Sarkar — Ashley Hasti, the woman he was married to and who was <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/what-we-know-about-the-ucla-gunman-and-his-victims?utm_term=.ul2b2yxK5#.rr2NeXO4o">reportedly found dead</a> in Minnesota, and a second UCLA professor who was unharmed. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult A marriage license obtained by CBS Minnesota shows that Sarkar and Hasti were married in 2011, however, it was not immediately clear if the two were still together at the time of the shooting. Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck told KTLA that Sarkar drove from Minnesota to UCLA, where an official said he had ties to the university. CBS News <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ucla-campus-shooting-victim-gunman-safety-protocols/">reported</a> that he used a 9mm semi-automatic handgun in the attack. Klug, 39, headed the Klug Research Group on campus, which studied "problems at the interface of mechanics and biology," the group's website says. His office was in the Engineering IV building, where he was shot and killed. Klug attended Westmont College for his undergraduate degree, and got his Ph.D. at California Institute of Technology in 2003. He is the author of dozens of scholarly essays on biomechanics and genetics and numerous scientific books and textbooks on similar subjects, such as <i>Concepts of Genetics</i>. Westmont College <a href="http://blogs.westmont.edu/2016/06/01/westmont-mourns-the-loss-of-alumnus-william-klug/">described Klug in a statement</a> as a "gentle, kind person without a trace of arrogance." And in a statement issued Thursday, his wife, Mary Elise Klug, referred to his death as an "indescribable" loss: <blockquote>During this extremely difficult time for our family, we are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support. This is an indescribable loss. Bill was so much more than my soulmate. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life. Knowing that so many others share our family's sorrow has provided a measure of comfort.</blockquote> nonadult nonadult The initial report of three gunshots was made around 10 a.m., Beck said. A gun was recovered at the scene of the shooting and the gunman was confirmed dead inside a small office in an engineering building. "We believe the campus is absolutely safe now," Beck said. L.A. City Councilman Paul Koretz, whose district includes UCLA, told BuzzFeed News that law enforcement immediately responded to the building looking for the shooter, but he had already committed suicide when officers arrived. "They discovered the two bodies and assumed it was an active shooter," he said. nonadult nonadult LAPD Capt. Andy Neiman told BuzzFeed News the shooting happened away from classrooms, in a small office. Though officers at first feared a gunman could be loose on campus, a search and investigation ultimately revealed the only shooter had killed himself. Marco Reyes, a 21-year-old materials engineering exchange student from Mexico, told BuzzFeed News he was relieved the shooter was no longer a threat, but the situation was still scary. "We also have a lot of violence in Mexico, but nothing like this," he said. Luis Rodriguez, a 23-year-old exchange student from Mexico studying chemical engineering, said he had heard about other shootings at universities, but it was still hard to believe what happened at UCLA. "You don't imagine it can happen at your school," he said. Though police said the threat was over early Wednesday afternoon, officers remained on campus to provide a reassuring presence, Neiman told BuzzFeed News. "We want to make sure they are reassured the campus is safe," he said. nonadult nonadult "I am heartbroken by the sight of SWAT teams running down campus avenues normally filled with students, and angered by the fear that one person with a firearm can inflict on a community," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorOfLA/status/738104018325504000">statement</a>. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Dan Ngo, a sociology senior, was in the gym when people began to hear about the shootings. As the facility went into lockdown, everyone sheltered on a basketball court. "We were just sitting there with our water bottles and phones," he told BuzzFeed News. Ngo remembered an attempted suicide at UCLA a few years ago. "It's a pretty serious issue on campus," he said. And it's tough to think about returning to class tomorrow, Ngo added. "I feel scared," he said. "I'm graduating in a couple weeks, but campus will never be the same again." nonadult nonadult nonadult Gagan Deep, a 26-year-old dentistry student, told BuzzFeed News she saw helicopters as she was arriving to the campus, but didn't think anything of it — there's always something going on in the area. Then she heard about the shootings. "It's crazy, scary," she said. The campus layout would make it easy for someone to move unnoticed or hide, she added. "All the buildings are connected from inside, so anyone can go anywhere," she said. nonadult nonadult Despite the cancellations on Wednesday, finals week is set to begin Monday as scheduled, as the university seeks to return to normal operations as seamlessly as possible, Waugh said. nonadult President Obama was also briefed about the shooting aboard Air Force One. nonadult <i>Brianna Sacks, Salvador Hernandez, Ellie Hall, and Claudia Rosenbaum contributed to this report.</i> nonadult This Fan Video About A Popular "Game Of Thrones" Theory Is Perfect https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/its-so-quiet-here-and-it-feels-so-cold?utm_term=4ldqpia SO MANY R+L=J EMOTIONS.

WARNING: If you're actively avoiding any information about what might happen in Game of Thrones, this might not be the post for you.

WARNING: If you're actively avoiding any information about what might happen in Game of Thrones, this might not be the post for you.

HBO / Via buzzfeed.com

One of the most popular theories about Jon Snow's parentage is that he's the child of Lyanna Stark (Eddard Stark's sister) and Rhaegar Targaryen. And, from the hints dropped in the trailer for next week's episode, it looks like the show is about to confirm this theory.

One of the most popular theories about Jon Snow's parentage is that he's the child of Lyanna Stark (Eddard Stark's sister) and Rhaegar Targaryen. And, from the hints dropped in the trailer for next week's episode, it looks like the show is about to confirm this theory.

Alt Shift X

According to the R+L=J theory, even though the "beautiful and willful" Lyanna was engaged to Robert Baratheon, she fell in love with Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and eloped with him to a place called the Tower of Joy.

According to the R+L=J theory, even though the "beautiful and willful" Lyanna was engaged to Robert Baratheon, she fell in love with Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and eloped with him to a place called the Tower of Joy.

HBO / Via lyannas.tumblr.com

Thinking that Rhaegar had kidnapped and raped Lyanna, Robert Baratheon rebelled and eventually became king. During the war, Lyanna died in her brother Ned Stark's arms shortly after childbirth. However, knowing that her Targaryen son would be in danger from the new king, she first begged her brother to take care of baby Jon and hide the truth of his parentage.

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/its-so-quiet-here-and-it-feels-so-cold Mon, 02 May 2016 22:01:04 -0400 SO MANY R+L=J EMOTIONS. ellievhall nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Thinking that Rhaegar had kidnapped and raped Lyanna, Robert Baratheon rebelled and eventually became king. During the war, Lyanna died in her brother Ned Stark's arms shortly after childbirth. However, knowing that her Targaryen son would be in danger from the new king, she first begged her brother to take care of baby Jon and hide the truth of his parentage. nonadult YouTuber ccmrose mashed up clips from <i>Game of Thrones</i> and BBC's <i>Merlin</i> to make this masterpiece. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Prince Harry And The Queen Drop The Mic On The Obamas In Twitter Fight https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/just-a-whole-bunch-of-royal-mic-drops-happening-here?utm_term=4ldqpia The royal families of America and the United Kingdom trash-talk each other’s countries ahead of the 2016 Invictus Games.

So Prince Harry and first lady Michelle Obama are old friends.

So Prince Harry and first lady Michelle Obama are old friends.

Handout / Getty Images

They've recently joined forces to bring the Invictus Games — a Paralympics-style competition in which wounded or injured service members and veterans from different countries compete against each other — to the United States.

They've recently joined forces to bring the Invictus Games — a Paralympics-style competition in which wounded or injured service members and veterans from different countries compete against each other — to the United States.

Kris Connor / Getty Images

Prince Harry, an army veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan, created the Invictus Games in 2014 to "harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country."

The United States won the bid to host the second Invictus Games, which will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World from May 8–12.

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/just-a-whole-bunch-of-royal-mic-drops-happening-here Fri, 29 Apr 2016 12:54:31 -0400 The royal families of America and the United Kingdom trash-talk each other's countries ahead of the 2016 Invictus Games. ellievhall nonadult nonadult nonadult Prince Harry, an army veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan, created the <a href="https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/foundation/story/">Invictus Games</a> in 2014 to "harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country." The United States won the bid to host the second Invictus Games, which will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World from May 8–12. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Prince George Met The Obamas In His PJs And It's Too Much https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/prince-george-and-the-obamas-is-the-only-good-thing-about-th?utm_term=4ldqpia HE WAS WEARING PAJAMAS.

Just two families hanging out.

Instagram: @kensingtonroyal

Shooting the breeze before supper.

Instagram: @kensingtonroyal

UNTIL PRINCE GEORGE SHOWED UP IN HIS PJS TO GREET AMERICA'S FIRST FAMILY.

LOOK AT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S FACE.

Instagram: @kensingtonroyal

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/prince-george-and-the-obamas-is-the-only-good-thing-about-th Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:32:00 -0400 HE WAS WEARING PAJAMAS. ellievhall nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult LOOK AT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S FACE. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Princes William And Harry Hung Out With The "Star Wars" Cast https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/these-are-not-the-royals-youre-looking-for?utm_term=4ldqpia BB-8, lightsaber battles, Chewbacca, and SO MUCH MORE.

Prince William and Prince Harry got a behind-the-scenes tour of Pinewood Studios near London on Tuesday, the film set where Star Wars: Episode VIII is currently in production.

Instagram: @kensingtonroyal

The Force Awakens star Daisy Ridley and Episode VIII director Rian Johnson guided the royals around the massive studio.

Prince William, who is the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), said that the visit was to celebrate "the wealth of British creative talent" behind the movies.

The royals visited production workshops and met with members of the "Star Wars" creative teams, enjoying close looks at how the series' alien creatures are brought to life.

The royals visited production workshops and met with members of the "Star Wars" creative teams, enjoying close looks at how the series' alien creatures are brought to life.

POOL New / Reuters

The real fun started when the princes got to the magical room where the lightsabers are kept.

The real fun started when the princes got to the magical room where the lightsabers are kept.

POOL New / Reuters

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/these-are-not-the-royals-youre-looking-for Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:19:57 -0400 BB-8, lightsaber battles, Chewbacca, and SO MUCH MORE. ellievhall nonadult nonadult <i>The Force Awakens</i> star Daisy Ridley and <i>Episode VIII</i> director Rian Johnson guided the royals around the massive studio. Prince William, who is the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), said that the visit <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/722395489166082048">was to celebrate</a> "the wealth of British creative talent" behind the movies. nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Suspected U.S. Capitol Gunman Claimed To Be "True Prophet Of God" https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/suspected-us-capitol-gunman-claimed-to-be-prophet-of-god?utm_term=4ldqpia The gunman shot by police on Monday was the same man arrested last year for disrupting a Congressional hearing.

The man who allegedly pulled a gun inside the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on Monday, prompting an officer to shoot him, was identified by police as Larry R. Dawson, of Antioch, Tennessee.

The man who allegedly pulled a gun inside the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on Monday, prompting an officer to shoot him, was identified by police as Larry R. Dawson, of Antioch, Tennessee.

Via Facebook: larry.dawson.1426

The 66-year-old was taken to a hospital and listed in critical condition Monday night after allegedly drawing his weapon at the Visitor Center screening area.

At a news conference, authorities said Dawson "frequented the [Capitol] grounds before" and "is known to us."

The suspect was previously arrested at Capitol Hill in October 2015 after interrupting the House chamber and shouting, "I am a prophet of God." He also allegedly resisted arrest as an officer tried to remove him from the chamber.

Dawson was later charged with unlawful conduct on Capitol grounds and assault of a law enforcement officer. He was released the next day after posting bond, but was ordered to stay away from Capitol Hill.

However, after failing to appear at his misdemeanor hearing on Nov. 19, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/suspected-us-capitol-gunman-claimed-to-be-prophet-of-god Mon, 28 Mar 2016 19:40:01 -0400 The gunman shot by police on Monday was the same man arrested last year for disrupting a Congressional hearing. ellievhall nonadult nonadult The 66-year-old was taken to a hospital and listed in critical condition Monday night after allegedly <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikehayes/reports-of-shots-fired-at-us-capitol-congress-and-white-hous#.fyROw2WjZD">drawing his weapon</a> at the Visitor Center screening area. At a news conference, authorities said Dawson "frequented the [Capitol] grounds before" and "is known to us." The suspect was previously arrested at Capitol Hill in October 2015 after interrupting the House chamber and shouting, "I am a prophet of God." He also allegedly resisted arrest as an officer tried to remove him from the chamber. nonadult nonadult Dawson <a href="https://www.dccourts.gov/cco/maincase.jsf">was later charged</a> with unlawful conduct on Capitol grounds and assault of a law enforcement officer. He was released the next day after posting bond, but was ordered to stay away from Capitol Hill. However, after failing to appear at his misdemeanor hearing on Nov. 19, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. nonadult He reapplied for his license to the Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers after it was revoked, but <a href="09/08/2009%20-%20State%20of%20Tennessee">he was denied</a> under a clause that allows the board to deny a license "based upon the applicant's lack of good character." nonadult nonadult nonadult "I have been called chosen and sent unto You this day," he wrote. "Therefore, I will not comply with the court order, nor will I surrender myself unto your office. No longer will I let myself be governed by flesh and blood, but only by the Divine Love of God!!!!" nonadult nonadult Pope Francis Washes Feet Of Refugees https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/what-i-do-now-thou-knowest-not-but-thou-shalt-know-hereafter?utm_term=4ldqpia “All of us together, Muslims, Hindus, Catholics, Copts, Evangelical [Protestants] brothers and sisters [are] children of the same God.”

Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of twelve Muslim, Christian and Hindu refugees Thursday during an Easter Week service at an asylum center outside of Rome.

Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of twelve Muslim, Christian and Hindu refugees Thursday during an Easter Week service at an asylum center outside of Rome.

Osservatore Romano / Reuters

The pope celebrated Holy Thursday Mass at the Reception Center for Asylum Seekers, or CARA, in Castelnuovo di Porto, which is located eighteen miles outside of Rome. In a statement, the Vatican said that the center provides temporary lodging and services to nearly 900 migrants and refugees from 25 different countries.

The foot-washing ritual is performed during Mass on Holy Thursday to reenact Jesus washing the feet of his twelve disciples on the night of the Last Supper.

Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of four women and eight men, the Associated Press reported. Three of the women were Coptic Christians from Eritrea and one was an Italian Catholic who works at the center. The men who participated in the service were four Catholics from Nigeria, three Muslims from Mali, Syria and Pakistan and a Hindu man from India.

A number of the men and women had tears streaming down their face while the pope washed their feet.

In his homily, Pope Francis denounced the Brussels attacks, calling them "an act of war, of destruction... by people who do not want to live in peace."

In his homily, Pope Francis denounced the Brussels attacks, calling them "an act of war, of destruction... by people who do not want to live in peace."

Osservatore Romano / Reuters

The pope said that behind those that carried out the attacks, there are "manufacturers, arms dealers who want blood, not peace; they want war, not fraternity."

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/what-i-do-now-thou-knowest-not-but-thou-shalt-know-hereafter Fri, 25 Mar 2016 16:39:10 -0400 "All of us together, Muslims, Hindus, Catholics, Copts, Evangelical [Protestants] brothers and sisters [are] children of the same God." ellievhall nonadult nonadult The pope celebrated Holy Thursday Mass at the Reception Center for Asylum Seekers, or CARA, in Castelnuovo di Porto, which is located eighteen miles outside of Rome. <a href="http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-gestures-of-fraternity-defeat-hatred">In a statement</a>, the Vatican said that the center provides temporary lodging and services to nearly 900 migrants and refugees from 25 different countries. The foot-washing ritual is performed during Mass on Holy Thursday to reenact Jesus washing the feet of his twelve disciples on the night of the Last Supper. Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of four women and eight men, <a href="http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_REL_VATICAN_HOLY_THURSDAY?SITE=AP&amp;SECTION=HOME&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT">the Associated Press reported</a>. Three of the women were Coptic Christians from Eritrea and one was an Italian Catholic who works at the center. The men who participated in the service were four Catholics from Nigeria, three Muslims from Mali, Syria and Pakistan and a Hindu man from India. A number of the men and women had tears streaming down their face while the pope washed their feet. nonadult nonadult The pope said that behind those that carried out the attacks, there are "manufacturers, arms dealers who want blood, not peace; they want war, not fraternity." nonadult nonadult "You, we, all of us together, of different religions, different cultures, [are] children of the same God," he said. "All of us together, Muslims, Hindus, Catholics, Copts, Evangelical [Protestants] brothers and sisters – children of the same God – we want to live in peace, integrated." nonadult nonadult nonadult That Picture Of Obama Pointing At A Naked Donald Trump Is Photoshopped https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/its-only-march-and-2016-is-exhausting?utm_term=4ldqpia So is the photo of Obama pointing at a photo of Beavis and Butt-Head.

On March 11th, a simpler time, The Guzu Gallery of Austin, Texas shared a photo of "President Obama" "visiting" their store while in town for SXSW.

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facebook.com

Guzu Gallery director Vincent X Torres told a local news station that he created the photoshopped image and uploaded it to the gallery's Facebook page to promote the gallery's "Half-Human" series, which includes this image of Beavis and Butt-Head.

Guzu Gallery director Vincent X Torres told a local news station that he created the photoshopped image and uploaded it to the gallery's Facebook page to promote the gallery's "Half-Human" series, which includes this image of Beavis and Butt-Head.

Via guzugallery.storenvy.com

Despite the fact that the image was tagged #PS (for photoshop), some people missed the joke.

Despite the fact that the image was tagged #PS (for photoshop), some people missed the joke.

Via Facebook: GuzuGallery

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/its-only-march-and-2016-is-exhausting Mon, 21 Mar 2016 17:57:01 -0400 So is the photo of Obama pointing at a photo of Beavis and Butt-Head. ellievhall nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult nonadult Entire D.C. Subway System To Shut Down For 29 Hours In Unprecedented Closure https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/lol-nothing-wmatas?utm_term=4ldqpia Washington, D.C.’s subway system will be shut down Wednesday for an emergency investigation following an electrical fire that caused huge delays on Monday.

Alex Wong / Getty Images

Washington, D.C.'s subway system will shut down for 29 hours starting Wednesday as crews perform an emergency inspection of electrical cables for possible deterioration, authorities announced just hours ahead of the unprecedented closure.

The shut down will start at midnight and last until 5 a.m. Thursday, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

The announcement on the decision to shut down an entire rail system that serves hundreds of thousands of commuters each day came Tuesday afternoon, with officials acknowledging the hardship but also the need to ensure the passenger safety.

A fire at a rail station early Monday triggered an investigation into the state of the jumper cables, which hadn't been inspected for a year, Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said at a news conference.

The results of that investigation led officials to believe that the fire may have had the same cause as another in January 2015, which killed a 61-year-old woman and injured dozens of people.

"This has already happened two times, … I can't wait for a third," Wiedfeld said.

Metro crew needs to inspect around 600 jumper cables, he said, which may be deteriorating and causing water to seep into the cables, causing electric charges and track fires.

"Right now you basically have people crawling around on a live third rail," Wiedfeld said. "We recognize it will be very difficult for people to get to work...for school children to get to school, but safety is paramount," he said, adding that the current state of the D.C. Metro could endanger people's lives. "When I say safety is our highest priority, I mean it."

Wiedfeld added that the Metro has never before shut down for a non-weather related event since launching in 1976.

In response to the closure, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management said federal employees can work from home or take unscheduled leave Wednesday.

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]]> https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/lol-nothing-wmatas Tue, 15 Mar 2016 17:20:07 -0400 Washington, D.C.'s subway system will be shut down Wednesday for an emergency investigation following an electrical fire that caused huge delays on Monday. ellievhall nonadult nonadult Washington, D.C.'s subway system will shut down for 29 hours starting Wednesday as crews perform an emergency inspection of electrical cables for possible deterioration, authorities announced just hours ahead of the unprecedented closure. The shut down will start at midnight and last until 5 a.m. Thursday, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The announcement on the decision to shut down an entire rail system that serves hundreds of thousands of commuters each day came Tuesday afternoon, with officials acknowledging the hardship but also the need to ensure the passenger safety. A fire at a rail station early Monday triggered an investigation into the state of the jumper cables, which hadn't been inspected for a year, Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said at a news conference. The results of that investigation led officials to believe that the fire may have had the same cause as another in January 2015, <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiakoerner/multiple-injuries-reported-as-washington-dc-metro-station-fi#.miDlkd5jd">which killed a 61-year-old woman and injured dozens of people.</a> "This has already happened two times, … I can't wait for a third," Wiedfeld said. nonadult nonadult Metro crew needs to inspect around 600 jumper cables, he said, which may be deteriorating and causing water to seep into the cables, causing electric charges and track fires. "Right now you basically have people crawling around on a live third rail," Wiedfeld said. "We recognize it will be very difficult for people to get to work...for school children to get to school, but safety is paramount," he said, adding that the current state of the D.C. Metro could endanger people's lives. "When I say safety is our highest priority, I mean it." Wiedfeld added that the Metro has never before shut down for a non-weather related event since launching in 1976. In response to the closure, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management said federal employees can work from home or take unscheduled leave Wednesday. nonadult nonadult Ride sharing apps Uber and Lyft anticipated increased demand during the shutdown. Uber said it would cap surge pricing at 3.9 times the base fare, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-dc-metro-uber-tech-idUSKCN0WH30T?mod=related&amp;channelName=domesticNews">Reuters</a> reported, and Lyft said it would offer new users $20 off their first ride. nonadult nonadult