The most powerful quake to hit Mexico in 100 years struck off its Pacific Coast late Thursday. Irma has been downgraded to a Category 4 and the still dangerous storm is barreling towards South Florida. Wildfires continue to blaze out West. Mother Earth is angry. Meanwhile, Papa Trump may be nervous. On Thursday, Don Jr. told Senate investigators that concerns about Hillary Clinton’s “fitness” to be president had prompted him to set up a June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer. But he still denied any collusion. On the House side, the lower chamber is expected to clear a bill today that would provide an $15 million down payment on Hurricane Harvey aid and fund the government and lift the debt ceiling until December 8th. And late last night, CHC Chair Michelle Luján Grisham (D-NM) filed a petition to force a House vote on the DREAM Act. But for success Dems would need at least 24 Republicans to back the petition. It’s one of those rare days in the Beltway that a breeze is blowing and keeping us at a perfect 75 degrees. Hence, we’re hitting send so we can head out to conduct some very important research on who has the best combo of comfy outdoor seating, a tasty menu, and most refreshing cocktails. Short week but busy news cycle! But don’t worry! We’ll start working on Monday’s Beat right after. For now, here’s what we’ve got on tap:
- Barack Obama heads to Canada.
- All former living presidents unveil new effort on Hurricane Harvey relief.
- Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) insulted by a colleague on the House floor.
- Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) may want 45 to testify in the Russia investigation. How do you say “I do not recall” in Russian?
- Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) intro bill to remove Confederate statues from Statuary Hall.
- House Dems demand hearings on DACA.
- Google unveils new exhibit honoring Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) introduces a bill to protect child models and actors.
- Senator Robert Menéndez’s (D-NJ) lawyer says trial is an attack on Hispanics.
- UN Ambassador Nikki Haley told Trump no on State helm.
- Dennis Rodman is back ...
- Hurricane Irma recovery in Puerto Rico could take months.
- National Action Network plans to protest against Kid Rock: find out why.
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation to honor “DREAMers.”
- Civil rights groups meet with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to discuss Charlottesville and other issues.
- Remember ex Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney? Check out what she’s up to now.
- Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL) will participate in a 12:30P conference call about a lawsuit to challenge the end of DACA. For dial-in info: press@americasvoice.org.
- Ta-Nehisi Coates serves up some intellectual prose on the “first white president.”
- Ready for a serious case of FOMO? The Beat DC is hosting a super swanky VIP pre-celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Hispanic Heritage Awards next Thursday. It’s invite-only but two lucky Beat readers will get an invite. Details to come.
- Check out Harlem’s Fashion Row in Blogs.