A gunman left 26 people dead and 20 wounded yesterday when he targeted a church in the middle of its Sunday services. Will this be the incident that brings about meaningful gun control legislation? Not likely. During a press conference with JapanesePrime Minister Shinzō Abe, Donald Trump said, “This was a very deranged individual … We have a lot of mental health problems in our country, as do other countries. This isn’t a guns situation.” When compared to 22 other high-income nations, the United States' gun-related murder rate is 25 times higher. On the Hill, the Ways and Means Committee begins what will be a multi-day markup of the GOP's tax reform bill. And Donald Trump continues his Asia tour, departing Tokyo and heading to the Republic of Korea. Lastly, here’s some Blue Magic to kick off the week. JAY-Z is set to receive the Salute to Industry Icons Award at the 2018 pre-Grammys Gala. The 60th-anniversary show is set to take place at Madison Square Garden on January 28th. There’s a lot to get to. We’re kicking off Monday with this...
- Obama Foundation adds new members to its Board of Directors.
- Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) asks for floor vote on DREAM Act.
- Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) intro bill on sex trafficking.
- SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas talks Anita Hill, NMAAHC, and race.
- DNC’s Tom Pérez and Keith Ellison speak out as more details from Donna Brazile’s bombastic book emerge.
- Barack Obama writes to Americans upset about current political climate.
- Meet the new VP for the Campaign For Black Male Achievement.
- Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH) names new Comms Director.
- See what Eric Holder has to do with Colin Kaepernick’s NFL grievance.
- Steve Harvey continues to face fallout after meeting with Donald Trump.
- FCC Chairman Aji Pai looking to cut program that helps low-income phone and internet users.
- Sharon Epperson returns to CNBC.
- Oprah honored by Elie Wiesel Foundation.
- Public TV highlights Native American Month.
- Telemundo chief César Conde honored.
- Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA) calls out Emmys on lack of diversity.
- Apple investor pushes company to increase diversity among top ranks.
- TPS for Central Americans and Haitians could disappear.
- Lawmakers push DOJ on transgender rights.
- Racist flyers circulate in NJ mayoral race.
- Former Congresswoman Corrine Brown’s second request for sentencing delay denied.
- Holiday festivities are ramping up! Hit us up at info@thebeatdc.com with details of your gatherings and keep an eye on FOMO.