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Jeff Flake Endorses Kamala Harris, Emphasizes Need for Bipartisanship and Border Reform Former Arizona Senator and Republican Jeff Flake has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, citing her potential to unite the country and bring bipartisanship back to Washington. Flake, who has been a vocal critic of former President Trump, made his announcement on ABC News, where he praised Harris' handling of foreign policy and her recent proposal for stricter asylum laws. Having served as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey until September, Flake explained that he waited until now to make his endorsement because he was barred from political activity in his former role. He also mentioned that Republicans need to support a candidate who respects the rule of law, unlike those who seek to overturn election results. He believes that Harris, with her legal background and experience as a prosecutor, is well-prepared to handle tough issues like immigration and national security. Flake joins a list of notable Republicans, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, who have endorsed Harris. He pointed to her bipartisan approach to problem-solving as a key factor in his decision, adding that Harris “ought to court all voters,” especially moderates and conservatives. Flake also praised her readiness to serve as commander-in-chief, noting her strong support for Ukraine and her clear understanding of the U.S.’s global alliances. On the issue of immigration, Flake, who supported a bipartisan immigration bill during his time in Congress, said that Harris' commitment to immigration reform is critical. He noted that real change can only come through bipartisan collaboration, and he trusts that Harris can bring both sides together to pass meaningful legislation.

Hurricane Helene Claims 26 Lives Across the Southeast At least 26 people have died as Hurricane Helene sweeps through the Southeast. Georgia alone has 11 casualties, including a heroic first responder. Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina have also reported deaths, highlighting the storm’s widespread devastation.

Trump Seeks Reversal of $454M Fraud Penalty in NY Court Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers will appear in a New York court Thursday to appeal a $454 million fraud ruling. In a February decision, Judge Arthur Engoron found Trump, his sons, and top executives guilty of inflating the former president’s wealth to secure more favorable terms from lenders. Engoron’s ruling described Trump’s behavior as egregious, with inflated property values and misleading claims about the size and scope of his assets, such as valuing rent-controlled apartments as if they were not regulated. Trump’s legal team contends that the case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, is politically motivated and that his assets were undervalued, not exaggerated. The defense maintains that lenders were eager to work with Trump, recognizing his business acumen, and that no financial harm occurred. Meanwhile, the attorney general’s office insists that the ruling is necessary to maintain honesty in the state’s commercial markets. Trump posted a $175 million bond to proceed with the appeal, which now continues in the New York Appellate Division. As the legal fight presses on, Trump’s attorneys are determined to reverse what they see as a deeply flawed judgment.

President Biden Reflects on Exiting the 2024 Race, Expresses Confidence in His Decision President Joe Biden appeared on "The View" and shared his thoughts about stepping out of the 2024 presidential race. Reflecting on his decision, Biden said he is "at peace" with it, mentioning that his original goal was to be a "transition president." While his administration achieved significant success, Biden said the process took longer than expected. He emphasized the close working relationship he had with Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her "tough" and "honorable," while highlighting their shared optimism for the future. Biden also addressed the elephant in the room: his confidence that he could have beaten Donald Trump in November. "I was confident I would beat Trump. He's a loser," Biden stated firmly. This interview marks Biden's first public appearance since the Democratic National Convention and the Harris-Trump debate.

Ongoing Coastal Erosion Causes Third House Collapse in 4 Days in North Carolina A third home has collapsed along the coast of North Carolina in just four days, signaling the growing dangers posed by severe coastal erosion in the Rodanthe area of the Outer Banks. The house, located on G A Kohler Court, was unoccupied when it collapsed into the ocean, sending dangerous debris into the surrounding waters and across the beach. As a result, officials have closed a 2-mile stretch of beach, warning swimmers and surfers to avoid the area due to the floating debris, which poses injury risks. Residents and homeowners are increasingly alarmed by the rapid erosion, which has already caused the collapse of several homes in recent years. Paul Troy, the owner of the first home that collapsed last Friday, expressed deep concern over the situation. His family had owned the property since 2008 and had recently seen their staircase and septic system damaged by rising tides. "We lose sleep over this," Troy said, noting that many property owners feel helpless against the power of the ocean. The National Park Service is working alongside local contractors to clean up the debris and restore the beach. The park service has also initiated a program to purchase at-risk homes and demolish them to protect the coastline. Despite these efforts, Rodanthe continues to face significant challenges as more homes are threatened by the ocean’s encroachment. This marks the tenth house collapse in the area in the past four years.