Fox News Politics: Springfield Pastors Speak Out

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Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest political news from Washington, D.C. and updates from the 2024 campaign trail. 

Here's what's happening…

- Trump and Vance have had 48 interviews combined since last month, only eight for Harris and Walz

- Mexican government buses migrants to US border

- Putin warns that the US, NATO risk war with Russia if long-range strike bans are lifted for Ukraine

‘The suffering is real’

Two Springfield, Ohio pastors spoke to Fox News Digital about the ministry challenges facing their town that has been thrust into the national spotlight after viral videos of residents complaining of disturbing behavior from Haitian refugees who have settled in the area.

"I think the biggest change that we’ve seen happen has just been sort of a breakdown in the trust of the community and some basic civility has also broken down a little bit," BJ Newman, a pastor in Springfield, Ohio, told Fox News Digital from Springfield’s Snyder Park on Thursday. "I think the reason for that is because there have been so many changes so quickly… In the 2020 census, there was about 50,000, a little north of that, residents here, now we have, numbers I have been reading, between 15,000 and 20,000 additional immigrants have arrived."

"I think there’s a larger narrative… that says the only compassionate response in a situation like this is you accept all of these immigrants and shut up. Any sense of raising our hand and saying ‘wait a second, we weren’t considered, we’re suffering her too.’ And the response is something like… you’re racist or you’re a bigot, why are you so anti-immigrant," Newman said.

Photo of two pastors over the welcome sign.

Pastors speak out on the situation concerning migrants in Springfield, OH. (Fox News)

"There’s tension in the community, much like the ways that tension has arisen in the past when there have been new members to move into an established area," the Rev. Adam Banks of First Baptist Church told Fox News Digital, adding that his experience with migrants has been generally positive.

"They have joined right in helping with the sound system, sharing special music, sharing their lovely voices, reading scripture, providing leadership in various capacities in the congregation," Banks said, adding that he will continue to "welcome" people who "want to celebrate the gift that each person brings and magnify God."  …Read more

Capitol Hill

BLOCKED: House GOP rolling out bill to block China, American adversaries from accessing US ports …Read more

'RESPECT OUR WARRIORS': House GOP veteran proposes key benefit to aid deployed service members …Read more

SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: Johnson faces major leadership test as GOP wars over government shutdown …Read more

Tales from the Trail

34 TO 1: Trump-Vance ticket has done combined 48 interviews since last month compared to only eight for Harris-Walz …Read more

CASH DASH: Harris brings in big bucks in 24 hours after debate with Trump …Read more

Trump and Harris shake hands at debate

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump shake hands during their debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Getty Images)

'ONLY OPTION': Trump adviser Alina Habba hits campaign trail to attract Arab American support in swing state Michigan …Read more

Across America

COMMUNITY 'UPENDED': 'It'll upend the community': PA town roiled by talk of migrant housing in Civil War-era orphanage building …Read more

NO ME GUSTA: Half of Latinos haven't heard of 'Latinx' term, overwhelming majority don't like it: poll …Read more

DEFIANT FANI: Fani Willis likely to defy Georgia state Senate subpoena ahead of Friday hearing, chairman says …Read more

TOUGH ON CRIME?: Gov. Newsom signs bill to resume harsh penalties for smash-and-grab robberies in California …Read more

Surveillance video still from jewelry store

Video of a shocking smash and grab robbery shows the moment a Sunnyvale jewelry store is overwhelmed by suspects armed with tools and hammers.  (KTVU)

LIKE 'ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK': Springfield resident says roads are like 'Escape from New York' after Haitian migrants overrun rural town …Read more

Around the World

'GRAY' AREA: Lawmakers crack down on CCP influence in US government tech, warn of potential 'devastating' cyber attack …Read more

BORDER BATTLE: Mexican government buses migrants to US border as illegal immigration becomes top issue …Read more

Russian glide bomb

A glide bomb is seen under the wing of a Su-34 bomber of the Russian air force during a combat mission in Ukraine. Ukraine is imploring the West to allow it to use ATACMS to strike inside Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

BAD WORDS: New online 'misinformation' bill slammed as 'biggest attack' on freedoms in Australia …Read more

PUTIN'S RED LINE: Putin warns US, NATO risk war with Russia if long-range strike bans lifted for Ukraine …Read more

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This article was written by Fox News staff.

Authored by Fox News Staff via FoxNews September 13th 2024