Trump and Beto to face off, Denver teachers prepare to strike: 5 things to know Monday – USA TODAY

Trump, Beto to face off in dueling rallies near US-Mexico border

President Donald Trump and Democratic wunderkind Beto O’Rourke are heading to El Paso, Texas on Monday. Trump, to rally for a border wall, and O’Rourke, to lead a protest march. Perched on the U.S.-Mexico border, the city has become the focal point for the contentious issue of immigration and the president’s relentless push for a barrier. The Trump rally at the El Paso County Coliseum will come only four days before the possibility of either another government shutdown or a declaration of a national emergency over what the president deems a national-security crisis at the border. O’Rourke plans to join a one-mile march past Trump’s rally on Monday and speak across the street from the president at about the same time Monday evening.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax could face articles of impeachment

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax appeared headed on a political collision course with state delegate Patrick Hope from his own party, who pledged to introduce articles of impeachment Monday if the 39-year-old Democrat refused to resign. Fairfax was accused of sexual assault last week by Vanessa Tyson, a political science professor at Scripps College in California. Lawyers for Fairfax’s second accuser, Meredith Watson, released a statement saying Fairfax raped her while they were students at Duke University in 2000. Fairfax reaffirmed his innocence Saturday and his intention to remain in office. He called for “space in this moment for due process” and for an FBI investigation.

Virginia lawmaker Patrick Hope said late on Friday that he would introduce articles of impeachment for Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax on Monday “if he has not resigned before then.” (Feb. 9)
AP

Thousands of Denver teachers prepare to strike

Thousands of teachers in Denver, Colorado are set to walk off the job Monday after failing to reach an agreement over salaries and bonuses – the latest in a year of teacher strikes across the nation. Though classrooms would be staffed by substitutes and administrators, the strike would significantly disrupt operations at the 207-school district. Early-childhood classrooms would be closed, leaving about 5,000 preschoolers at home. The union, the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, represents about 5,635 educators. The two sides met Saturday but were unable to resolve their differences. The union left negotiations, declaring the strike would happen Monday.

Denver teachers are planning to strike this week for the first time in 25 years, following similar strikes in cities across the US.
Associated Press

Congressional lawmakers hope to reach a compromise on border security

Last week, President Donald Trump signaled optimism about the progress of congressional talks on border security. Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the conference committee negotiating a compromise on border security, told reporters that Trump seemed open to signing a compromise on border security. The 17-member committee, which includes Democrats and Republicans from both the House and the Senate, is working to negotiate an agreement and hoping to reach a deal by Monday. The committee has a Feb. 15 deadline to avert another government shutdown.

Grammys 2019: Kacey Musgraves wins four awards, 21 Savage misses the show

Women ruled the 61st annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night, led by Kacey Musgraves’ four wins, including album of the year for “Golden Hour.” Dua Lipa took home best new artist and Childish Gambino won both song and record of the year for “This Is America.” Former first lady Michelle Obama even made a surprise appearance at the ceremony. One musician who was noticeably missing was rapper and nominee 21 Savage, who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week. The 26-year-old musician, born Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, is being held without bail and faces federal deportation proceedings as a result of overstaying his U.S. visa as a youth. Abraham-Joseph’s attorneys are working to get him released from custody.