Speaker Johnson sets House vote on government funding bill after a one-week postponement

posted in: Politics | 0

By KEVIN FREKING

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson will move ahead with a temporary spending bill that would prevent a partial government shutdown when the new budget year begins on Oct. 1, despite the headwinds that prompted him to pull the bill from consideration last week.

The bill includes a requirement that people registering to vote must provide proof of citizenship, which has become a leading election-year priority for Republicans raising the specter of noncitizens voting in the U.S., even though it’s already illegal to do so and research has shown that such voting is rare.

“I urge all of my colleagues to do what the overwhelming majority of the people of this country rightfully demand and deserve — prevent non-American citizens from voting in American elections,” Johnson said Tuesday.

Johnson told reporters he was not ready to discuss an alternative plan to keep the government funded other than what will come before the House on Wednesday.

“I’m not having any alternative conversations. That’s the play. It’s an important one. And I’m going to work around the clock to try and get it done,” Johnson said.

The legislation faces an uphill climb in the House and has no chance in the Senate. The vast majority of Democrats oppose it, and some Republicans do, too, but for different reasons.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the only way to prevent a government shutdown was for both sides to work together on an agreement. He said the House vote announced by Johnson was doomed to fail.

“The only thing that will accomplish is make clear that he’s running into a dead end,” Schumer said. “We must have a bipartisan plan instead.”

The legislation would fund agencies at current levels while lawmakers work out their differences on a full-year spending agreement.

Democrats, and some Republicans, are pushing for a short extension. A temporary fix would allow the current Congress to hammer out a final bill after the election and get it to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.

But Johnson and some of the more conservative members of his conference are pushing for a six-month extension in the hopes that Republican nominee Donald Trump will win the election and give them more leverage when crafting the full-year bill.

Schumer said a six-month measure would shortchange the Pentagon and other government agencies that need more certainty about funding levels.

“You simply cannot run the military with six-month stopgaps,” Schumer said.

Johnson said last week that he was not giving up on his proposal just yet and would be working through the weekend to build support. He said ensuring that only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections is “the most pressing issue right now and we’re going to get this job done.”

On Sunday, he traveled to Florida to meet with Trump, who had earlier seemingly encouraged a government shutdown if Republicans “don’t get assurances on Election Security.” Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social that they should not go forward with a stopgap bill without such assurances.

The House approved a bill with the proof of citizenship mandate back in July. Some Republicans who view the issue as popular with their constituents have been pushing for another chance to show their support for the measure. Still, other Republicans are expected to vote no because they view the spending in the bill as excessive.

I-94 ramp, lane closures begin Wednesday between Oakdale and Woodbury

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A series of traffic shifts and ramp closures on Interstate 94 between Oakdale and Woodbury will begin Wednesday as the final stage of pavement resurfacing starts, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Construction crews will reduce eastbound I-94 between Minnesota Highway 120/Century Avenue and Woodbury Drive/Keats Avenue N to a single lane at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, which will run until early Thursday morning when it opens up to three lanes until October.

Also starting 7 p.m. Wednesday, eastbound I-94 ramps to and from Radio Drive/Inwood Avenue N and to and from Woodbury Drive/Keats Avenue N will be closed until Saturday morning while construction crews pave the road that connects the ramps.

The final closure includes the ramp from northbound Interstate 494 to eastbound I-94 and the ramp from eastbound I-94 to southbound I-494. MnDOT expects these interchange ramps to reopen in the middle of October.

Several ramps will be reopening this week. The eastbound I-94 to northbound I-694 and southbound I-494 to eastbound I-94 ramps will reopen to traffic at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Also, the Tamarack Road to southbound I-494 and northbound I-494 to Tamarack Road traffic ramps are projected to reopen by end of day Friday.

All construction projects are weather dependent and subject to change at any time.

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Florida will launch criminal probe into apparent assassination attempt of Trump, governor says

posted in: Society | 0

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and STEPHANY MATAT Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Florida law enforcement will launch a criminal investigation of the apparent assassination attempt targeting former President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday.

The state-level probe will run parallel to the federal investigation into Ryan Wesley Routh, who was charged Monday with federal firearms offenses. DeSantis said Florida prosecutors will pursue the most serious charges available under state law, including attempted murder.

“We have a very strong interest in holding this suspect accountable,” DeSantis told reporters.

The federal investigation into the incident at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course is in the early stages. Additional and more serious federal charges are possible as Justice Department prosecutors seek an indictment from a grand jury.

The FBI has interviewed the suspect’s family members, friends and colleagues and is working to collect evidence. No motive has been disclosed, and Routh invoked his right to an attorney when questioned, authorities said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivers remarks and answers questions at a news conference Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Routh’s attorney declined to comment after Routh appeared briefly in federal court Monday, when a judge ordered that he remain locked up after prosecutors argued that he was a flight risk. A federal magistrate set additional hearings for later this month.

Routh, 58, was arrested Sunday after authorities spotted a gun poking out of shrubbery on the golf course where Trump was playing. Routh camped outside the golf course with food and a rifle for nearly 12 hours, lying in wait for the former president before a Secret Service agent thwarted the potential attack and opened fire.

Routh did not fire any shots, never had Trump in his line of sight and sped away after the agent who spotted him fired in his direction, officials said. He was arrested in a neighboring county.

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Coming just weeks after a July 13 shooting at a Pennsylvania campaign rally where Trump was grazed by a gunman’s bullet, the latest assassination attempt accelerated concerns that violence continues to infect American presidential politics.

Federal investigators are examining Routh’s large online footprint, which suggests a man of evolving political viewpoints, including recently an apparent disdain for Trump, as well as intense outrage at global events concerning China and especially Ukraine.

“You are free to assassinate Trump,” Routh wrote of Iran in an apparently self-published 2023 book titled “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,” which described the former president as a “fool” and “buffoon” for both the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the “tremendous blunder” of leaving the Iran nuclear deal.

Richer reported from Washington.

The best lunch boxes for fresh meals on the go

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Which lunch box is best?

If you carry your lunch on a regular basis to work or school, you may have realized that brown paper bags are not very cost-effective. Over time, the continuous waste piles up. A lunch box is a more eco-friendly alternative to disposable bags. The best lunch boxes are durable containers that can withstand repeated use for many months. When selecting a lunch box, remember that some are sturdier than others, and some are easier to clean than others. Check out our tips below on how to pick the best one for you.

What to know before you buy a lunch box

Lunch box size

A good lunch box should be large enough to accommodate your typical lunch, whatever that might entail. For some, that could be a simple sandwich or leftover dinner. For others, it could include a main course, a side dish and several snacks. Think about how much food you need to pack, and focus on products that would be able to accommodate that amount of food.

Also, keep in mind the amount of storage space your lunch box will require. If you need to keep the lunch box refrigerated, either at home or at work, you’ll want one that isn’t too large for a refrigerator shelf.

Organization

A lot of lunch box options consist of a single compartment you which food is stored, but there are some compartmentalized options as well. For example, a lunch box may contain a “main” food area as well as a pocket for utensils and a mesh drink holder on the side. Some lunch boxes even have separate storage areas for cold and warm items.

Ease of cleaning

Lunch boxes need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Look for one with an easy-wipe interior and an exterior that won’t show stains. Keep in mind, too, that a lunch box with multiple compartments may be more difficult to clean than a lunch box with a single compartment. After all, there is more surface area to be cleaned in a compartmentalized lunch box.

Durability

Chances are you’ll want your new lunch box to last for a while. You don’t want it wearing out — or even breaking — after a few uses. But be wary, because there are flimsy lunch boxes out there that may break down after a few heavy uses. To get the most for your money, look for something strong and durable.

Pay particular attention to the interior lining of the lunch box; you don’t want one that will crack or tear, as this would create more opportunities for bacteria to grow unprotected.

Extras

Some lunch boxes come with extras — perhaps an ice pack to help chill food or a few storage containers. Of course, you could also purchase these items separately; they’re not make-or-break features for most people. However, if you’re struggling to make your decision between two lunch boxes, the extra features included in each may help you decide.

The good thing about included extras is that you can be sure they will fit inside your lunch box. This may not be true for dishes and containers you already own. On the other hand, the extras included with some lunch boxes are not necessarily of the highest quality.

How much you can expect to spend on a lunch box

Most lunch boxes cost between $5 and $35. The price depends, in large part, on the size of the lunch box, the quality of its construction and any extra features that come with it. For example, you can expect to pay more for a large lunch box with an insulated interior and an ice pack than you would for a simple child’s lunchbox with one compartment.

If you want quality, we recommend spending at least $15. Lunch boxes of this caliber tend to offer plenty of space and hold up well over time. It’s especially important to choose something durable if you’ll be using it day in and day out for a long time.

Tips

Even if your lunch box is insulated and has an ice pack, it’s a good idea to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. This holds especially true if it will be two hours or more before you’re ready to sit down and eat.

Place heavier items at the bottom of your lunch box so they don’t crush the more delicate items.

Wipe your lunch box out with soap and warm water daily to prevent bacteria from building up inside of it.

Consider replacing your lunch box yearly to avoid mold and bacteria buildup, especially if the interior lining begins to crack.

Best lunch box FAQ

Q. Can I put my lunch box in the dishwasher?

A.  Most lunch boxes are not designed to go in the dishwasher, and putting them in there may damage the box. Consult manufacturer guidelines for your particular lunch box.

Q. What are bento lunch boxes?

A. Bento lunch boxes are compartmentalized tray lunch boxes that allow you to place different food items in the same box without needing separate baggies or other containers for each. They’re a popular choice for those who are trying to be mindful of portion control. These lunch boxes are often made of plastic and come with removable trays that may be able to be washed in the dishwasher.

What are the best lunch boxes to buy?

Top lunch box

ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Box

What you should know: This large, insulated lunch box is suitable for children and adults alike, and it’s a great choice for individuals who like to mix up their meals and snacks.

What you’ll love: It comes with plenty of extras, like a six portion-control containers, ice pack, pill storage container and shaker cup. It’s made of heavy-duty fabric that won’t tear easily, and it’s large enough to carry all of your food and snacks for the whole day.

What you should consider: Some users say the included ice pack doesn’t do a great job of keeping the food cold on its own. You may wish to add a second ice pack.

Top lunch box for the money

MIER Insulated Lunch Bag

What you should know: If you’re looking for a large lunch box that can accommodate all types of foods, this model is worth considering.

What you’ll love: This double-decker cooler has two separate sections for keeping warm and cold items separate. It also has a small front pocket for storing utensils and napkins.

What you should consider: This lunch box is large, which is great if you have a lot of food, but not so great if there’s only a little bit of space in the refrigerator.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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