New Additions to AllGov—More Nations

U.S. Sending More Than 600 Additional Troops to Iraq

The U.S. is sending 615 more troops to Iraq as the stage is set for an Iraqi-led battle to reclaim Mosul, the northern city that has been the Islamic State group’s main stronghold for more than two years. The offensive, starting as soon as October, looms as a decisive moment for Iraq and for President Barack Obama’s much-criticized strategy to defeat IS. read more

GAO Questions VA’s Standards for Leasing Facilities

While the Department of Veterans Affairs claims its recent move to lease more of its facilities gives it added flexibility, a government accountability officer told Congress on Wednesday her agency would like to see evidence of that. Rebecca Shea, of the Government Accountability Office, told members of Congress that while VA has improved its decision-making process for determining when to lease rather than own a building, it has not proven the benefits it claims to receive from the decision. read more

Suit Claims Student Was Tasered for Being Late to Class

Tyson Reed and his mother, Linda Reed, sued Kern High School District, KHSD Officer Luis Pena, and teacher Brett Bonetti on Sept. 22 in Kern County Superior Court, alleging disability discrimination and civil rights violations that occurred when a school police officer Tasered Reed twice for being late to class after having an anxiety attack. read more

Huge Congressional District Not Big Enough for Candidates

A West Texas congressional district sprawls 58,000-plus square miles and two time zones, from San Antonio to just outside El Paso. Yet neither the Republican who represents it nor the Democrat trying to reclaim the seat actually lives there. The home of Republican Rep. Will Hurd, 39, is in Helotes, just outside the borders of a district that is larger in land area than 29 states. The challenger, former Rep. Pete Gallego, spends most of his time away from the district in Austin. read more

New Orleans Fighting to Remove Confederate Symbols From City

New Orleans has the right to remove Confederate monuments that are the center of a heated debate, the city’s attorneys told an appeals court Wednesday, but opponents who want a delay said removing them could cause irreparable harm. Those pushing to keep the monuments got a skeptical reception from the judges, who raised harsh questions about their chances of prevailing. read more