Month: July 2022

A massive fire destroyed the historic Veranda House Hotel on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts over the weekend, spreading to several other buildings. Firefighters with the Nantucket Fire Department responded to the blaze around 6:46 a.m. on Saturday after multiple reports of a fire at the hotel, the department said in a news release. Photos posted to Twitter by the fire department show the Veranda House Hotel up in flames; the hotel could be seen charred black with no roof remaining after the fire was put out. Fire officials added: “Due to the proximity of several buildings the fire did spread to several other buildings. Extensive fire developed in at least two of the buildings.”

Nantucket fire officials said: “An off-duty captain and several civilians ran to the location upon hearing of the fire and assisted in removing guests from the hotel. The captain and others entered into dangerous conditions without protective equipment to assure everyone got out of the building.” Officials said two people were found in a hallway and were helped to safety before firefighters arrived. No injuries to civilians were reported, but two firefighters were taken to a local hospital for possible heat exhaustion and a third for a back injury.

Personnel from other Cape Cod departments were called in to assist the Nantucket Fire Department. Several of the buildings were described as “total losses”. The Nantucket Historical Association notes that the Veranda House Hotel was purchased in 1881 and converted into a boarding house, with electric lights added in 1889 and a new porch installed in 1903.  The hotel said in a statement:  With the support of all the first responders, and our local community members, we can confirm that all employees and guests are safely evacuated and accounted for.  The safety and security of our guests, team, and community is our top priority and we will continue to work closely with emergency responders and safety authorities. The Veranda House team is deeply grateful to the Nantucket Fire Department and first responders for their quick action taken during this incident.”

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Steve Bannon, former advisor to Pres. Donald Trump, has agreed to testify before the House committee that’s investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.  Bannon had been set to go on trial next week on criminal contempt charges for refusing to cooperate with the probe of the Capitol riot.  He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of contempt of Congress, and faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a fine of up to $100,000 for each count if convicted.

Bannon’s lawyer argued that he was adhering to the assertion of executive privilege that had been claimed by Trump, which allegedly barred Bannon from providing the materials requested by the select committee. However on Saturday, Trump sent a letter to Bannon that waived executive privilege. Trump wrote in the letter:  “When you first received the Subpoena to testify and provide documents, I invoked Executive Privilege. However, I watched how unfairly you and others have been treated, having to spend vast amounts of money on legal fees, and all of the trauma you must be going through for the love of your Country, and out of respect for the Office of the President. Therefore, if you reach an agreement on a time and place for your testimony, I will waive Executive Privilege for you, which allows you to go in and testify truthfully and fairly.”

Bannon’s lawyer Bob Costello sent the letter to the Jan. 6 committee, adding:  “While Mr. Bannon has been steadfast in his convictions, circumstances have now changed. Mr. Bannon is willing to, and indeed prefers, to testify at your public hearing.”

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