Transfer background checks for WH FBI senior staff to the Pentagon
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The White House has directed the FBI to stop conducting background checks on dozens of President Donald Trump’s top staff and move the process to the Pentagon, ABC News reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the issue.
The directive occurred last month after White House officials considered a process that included interviews and reviews of financial records, past employment and other potential security risks, according to the report.
“The FBI is relentlessly focused on our mission to rebuild trust, restore law and order, and make good agents a great agent. We are confident that DOD (DOD) can accommodate all the needs of the clearance process,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement to Reuters.
Arizona Democratic Rep. Raul Griarba died of cancer at the age of 77
(Reuters) – Raul Jalba, the US representative of Democrats, who represented Arizona for more than 20 years, passed away Thursday at the age of 77 due to complications from cancer treatment, his office said in a statement.
“More than 20 years ago, Rep. Grillarva embarked on his journey to become the voice of South Arizonan in Washington, D.C.,” the statement said. “Driving with the values and spirit of his community, he worked tirelessly and accomplished a lot for Arizona and the country.”
Grijalva’s death will temporarily increase the majority of the Republican slim home to 218-213, with four vacancies.
Special elections for Grijalva alternatives must be held to fill the vacant seats.
American Airlines jet engine fires after landing in Denver
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The engines of an American Airlines jet decoupled it to land in Denver on Thursday, sparking a fire after using a slide of the plane to force passengers to evacuate, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
American Airlines flight from Colorado Springs on the Boeing 737-800 landed in Denver around 5:15 PM local time (2315 GMT) and was leaked from its planned destination in Dallas after crews reported engine vibrations.
Several dramatic videos of passengers standing on the wings of the plane before evacuating when the engine was poured were posted on social media.
“After landing safely and directing us to the gates of Denver International Airport (den), American Airlines flights experienced engine-related issues,” the airline said in a statement.
“172 customers and six crew members are running out and moving to the terminal. The crew (Denver) team and first responders are grateful for the prompt and decisive action to ensure safety for everyone on board as a priority,” the airline added.
The FAA said it would investigate the incident.
Boeing declined to comment and referred to questions for American Airlines and investigators.
The Engine Fire is the latest in a series of famous aviation accidents that raised questions about US aviation safety, including the January 29 air collision of an American Airlines regional jet and the Army helicopter that killed 67 people.
