Here’s your weekly quick look at a few developing stories in the political arena:
- The United States this week announced new travel restrictions on those entering the country from West Africa. These new guidelines will force travelers from Ebola-affected countries to fly via US airports with screening procedures in place. Homeland Security secretary Jeh Johnson said, “We are continually evaluating whether additional restrictions or added screening and precautionary measures are necessary to protect the American people and will act accordingly.” Five US airports - New York’s JFK, Newark, Dulles, Atlanta and Chicago - will now have the additional Ebola screening protocols in place.
- On Wednesday night there was another breach at the White House as a man who suffers from mental health problems jumped the fence and was subdued by two police dogs and a secret service agent. A secret service spokesman said, “Dog got him.” Dominic Adesanya, 23, of Bel Air, Maryland, was unarmed but has been charged with two counts of felony assault on a police officer for attacking the K-9 dogs, four counts of resisting and unlawful entry, and one count of making threats. Adesanya was also arrested two months ago at the White House and charged with a misdemeanor for causing a commotion at the fence.
- Attorney General Eric Holder is angry over leaks from the federal investigation into this summer’s police shooting of 18-year old Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Justice Department spokeswoman Dena Iverson said, “The department considers the selective release of information in this investigation to be irresponsible and highly troubling.” The Justice Department is investigating the Ferguson Police Department for possible civil rights violations, including whether officers there use excessive force and engage in discriminatory practices.
- North Korea this week released one of three Americans they currently have in custody. North Korea freed Jeffrey Fowle, who was arrested for leaving a bible in a sailor’s club while traveling as a tourist, earlier this week. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, “While this is a positive decision, we remain focused on the continued detention of Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller and again call on the DPRK to immediately release them.” It is not known why North Korea has done this, and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday there had been no deal with North Korea for the release.
- And finally, early voting for the mid-term elections have begun in some states and will begin shortly in others. 43 states across the country allow early voting with 34 of those states not having any special requirements to vote early. To find out where your state stands, click here for our early voting article and don’t forget to vote early or on November 4th!
