Supreme Court makes it harder to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, charge Trump faces
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland expresses disappointment in the Supreme Court’s decision that makes it more challenging to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, including former President Donald Trump. The justices ruled that proving defendants tried to tamper with or destroy documents is necessary for the charge of obstructing an official proceeding. Garland acknowledges that only some individuals who participated in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, meet this criteria. Despite the court’s ruling, Garland states that cases against the majority of individuals charged for the events of January 6 will not be affected. Trump hails the ruling as a “Big News!” and a “massive victory” for those arrested on January 6.
Biden attempts to address concerns after a shaky debate performance as he and Trump campaign in swing states
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is working to alleviate Democratic worries following his unsteady debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Both Biden and Trump are focused on expanding their reach in states they lost in the previous election. The recent debate is expected to reinforce existing concerns among the public about both candidates. Biden’s delivery and comments during the debate raised doubts among his own party members about his ability, at the age of 81, to lead the country for another four years. Meanwhile, Trump’s attacks on critics and false statements about policies serve as a reminder of the tumultuous nature of his presidency.
Biden’s debate performance sparks panic among Democrats about his capability to lead the party against Trump
ATLANTA (AP) — Joe Biden’s supporters have been hoping for a strong and energetic performance from him during the debate to dispel doubts about the 81-year-old Democrat’s physical and mental fitness. However, his performance fell short of expectations, leading to concerns among Democrats about his chances against 78-year-old Republican former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Observers noted Biden’s repeated stumbles, pauses, and subdued speaking style, which raised significant concerns about his ability to lead. Democrats are openly questioning if the party should consider replacing Biden as the nominee.
Supreme Court permits cities to enforce prohibitions on homeless individuals sleeping outdoors
WASHINGTON (AP) — A lawyer representing homeless individuals in Grants Pass, Oregon, expresses disappointment in the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on outdoor sleeping in West Coast areas. On the other hand, an attorney for the city praises the decision. The case, decided by the Supreme Court on Friday, is a significant one regarding homelessness, which is a growing issue in the United States. The court’s 6-3 ruling, along ideological lines, overturns a previous ruling that considered outdoor sleeping bans as cruel and unusual punishment. City leaders argued that the lower court ruling made it challenging for them to manage outdoor encampments.
The Supreme Court weakens federal regulators by overturning the longstanding Chevron decision
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a major decision, the Supreme Court has reversed a 40-year-old ruling that facilitated federal government regulation in areas such as the environment, public health, workplace safety, and consumer protections. The court’s ruling on Friday represents a significant victory for business interests, following cases brought by fishermen in New Jersey and Rhode Island. Reversing the 1984 Chevron decision, the justices potentially open the door to challenges that could involve billions of dollars. The core principle of the Chevron decision allowed federal agencies to provide detailed regulations in cases of ambiguous laws. Critics of the decision argue that it grants too much power to government experts that should belong to judges.
Indictment accuses former Uvalde schools police chief of delays during a school shooting incident
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — An indictment unsealed on Friday accuses the police chief for schools in Uvalde, Texas, of failing to respond effectively during an active shooting at Robb Elementary that led to the death of 21 individuals, including 19 children and two teachers. Pete Arredondo faces 10 state jail felony counts of endangering a child for his actions during the May 24, 2022, attack. The indictment suggests that Arredondo’s decisions slowed down law enforcement’s response to the shooter, who was targeting victims. The incident marks one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.
A decade after the Islamic State group declared a caliphate, it remains a threat despite being defeated
BAGHDAD (AP) — Ten years after the Islamic State group declared its caliphate, the organization may be defeated but it continues to carry out deadly attacks globally. While the group no longer controls territories in Iraq and Syria as it once did, it now operates through sleeper cells, mainly in Afghanistan and Africa. The anniversary of the caliphate declaration comes amid concerns that without continued efforts to combat extremism in Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State group could attempt a resurgence if given the opportunity.
Iowa Supreme Court instructs lower court to allow strict abortion law to go into effect
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Supreme Court has reversed a lower court decision that temporarily blocked the state’s stringent abortion law and has instructed the lower court to proceed with enforcing the law. The new law prohibits most abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy, before many women are aware of their pregnancies. Iowa joins a growing list of states with restrictive abortion laws following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Until the lower court follows through on the Iowa Supreme Court’s directive, abortion remains legal in the state up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Texas Supreme Court upholds prohibition on gender-affirming care for transgender minors
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court has upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youths, rejecting arguments from parents that the law infringes on their ability to seek appropriate care for their children. The 8-1 ruling by the all-Republican court maintains a law that went into effect in September 2023. Despite legal challenges from families and medical professionals, the law remains in place, impacting transgender children and their families in Texas. Texas is one of many states that have implemented laws restricting gender-affirming care for minors.
AP selects the best movies of 2024 so far, including ‘Furiosa,’ ‘Thelma,’ ‘I Saw the TV Glow,’ and ‘Challengers’
The movie year of 2024, disrupted by events in 2023, is gaining momentum as more quality films are released. The box office is thriving, particularly with the success of “Inside Out 2.” At the halfway point of the year, numerous outstanding movies have already been seen by audiences. Associated Press Film Writers Jake Coyle and Lindsey Bahr highlight some of their favorite films of 2024, including the coming-of-age story “I Saw the TV Glow,” the sequel to “Dune,” the animated movie “Robot Dreams,” and the revenge tale “Thelma,” featuring June Squibb.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
