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POLITICS

Donald Trump to opt out of last Republican debate

Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has announced that he will not attend the last Republican debate which is scheduled this Thursday on Fox News only days before the Iowa caucuses. Although this move may appear to be incredibly bold and risky, Trump’s campaign manager has asserted the decision is irreversible. Trump has consistently criticized Fox News for the media outlet’s profiteering from advertisements during presidential debates and anchor Megyn Kelly whom he claims treated him unfairly during last August’s debate. Donald Trump currently leads in Iowa, and with the caucuses on Monday, we will not have to wait long to see the results of this unconventional decision.

NATIONAL

Oregon militia: 7 arrested 1 dead

Last night, members of the militia group led by Ammon Bundy which had been occupying the Malheur Wildlife Refugee since January 2^nd were arrested by authorities at a traffic stop. Shots were fired during the arrest, and one militia member was killed while another was transported to the hospital suffering non-life threatening injuries. Ammon Bundy was in the group and is currently in custody pending federal criminal charges for intimidation, threats and impeding U.S. officers from from discharging their official duties. Shortly after the arrests, law enforcement converged upon the wildlife refugee, for other members of the group remained in the Malheur buildings.

WASHINGTON DC

Man arrested for shooting threat in DC

Adrian Daigle, who had recently lost his job based in Wisconsin, allegedly told his former boss he intended to travel to Washington and, “start shooting.” DC police had put out a bulletin on Monday night saying Daigle was wanted for questioning, “in reference to an active police investigation involving threats.” Daigle was arrested Tuesday in Jessup, Maryland only 25 miles north of Washington.

Maryland

Maryland lawmakers seek to improve equal pay legislation for women

There is a measure going before Maryland legislators which aims to improve the state’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Supporters of the measure are scheduled to speak at a news conference this Wednesday specifying further details. A bill supporters will be discussing allows employees to earn 1 hour of paid sick leave per every 30 hours worked. Another bill includes a state insurance program which would provide employees with up to 12-weeks of partial wage replacement while they take time away from work for health conditions like pregnancy.

Virginia

Zika virus reaches Virginia

Health officials say a Virginia resident who recently traveled outside of the U.S. has tested positive for Zika. The virus is mosquito-transmitted and linked to a wave of birth defects in Brazil in which babies have abnormally small heads. Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine has stated that the infected resident does not pose a risk, for it is not mosquito season in Virginia. Currently, Zika outbreaks are prominent in the Caribbean and South America, the Center for Disease Control has recommended pregnant women avoid these regions.