DailyTimeCapsule brief
October 11, 2018
On October 11, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall on Florida's Panhandle as a Category 5 storm, bringing catastrophic winds and severe flooding. The storm caused widespread destruction, particularly in towns like Mexico Beach, obliterating homes and infrastructure. In the wake of the hurricane, emergency responders mobilized to assist affected residents, while power outages affected millions across the Southeastern United States. Concurrently, political tensions were heightened as former top F.B.I. lawyer Andrew Weissmann suggested that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had seriously considered taping President Donald Trump, stirring controversy in Washington. In international news, the mysterious disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi raised alarms regarding U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia, particularly as Jared Kushner's previous support for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came under scrutiny.
Key developments
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On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall in Florida's Panhandle as a Category 4 hurricane, one of the strongest storms to hit the area. The powerful winds and heavy rain led to widespread destruction, with entire neighborhoods flattened and significant flooding reported. Emergency workers and residents waited until nightfall to assess the damage, revealing the extensive toll on infrastructure and homes.
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In a recent congressional testimony, James A. Baker, the former general counsel of the F.B.I., revealed that top officials, including Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein, seriously considered the idea of recording President Trump as part of an effort to gauge his behavior following the firing of F.B.I. Director James Comey. The discussions about the proposal involved analyzing its potential consequences, showcasing the deep divisions and concerns within the F.B.I. leadership during a turbulent period in U.S. politics. Ultimately, the idea was rejected, but it raised significant questions about the nature of presidential authority and the limits of federal oversight.
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In October 2018, journalist Jamal Khashoggi disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, drawing international attention and condemnation. Jared Kushner, senior advisor to then-President Trump, had formed a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been implicated in Khashoggi's assassination. This incident placed Kushner's diplomatic efforts and strategic ties with the Saudi leadership under significant scrutiny, potentially jeopardizing U.S.-Saudi relations.
