Biden admits to debate mistakes but vows to defend democracy. Democrats stand by him — at least for now
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is addressing concerns within the Democratic party regarding his shaky performance in the debate against former President Donald Trump. At a rally in North Carolina on Friday, Biden acknowledged that he may not be the debater he once was. However, he emphasized that “The choice in this election is simple: Donald Trump will destroy our democracy. I will defend it.” While some Democratic lawmakers are expressing worries, they are maintaining their support for Biden for the time being. Meanwhile, Trump’s attacks on critics and his false policies are a reminder of the chaos during his presidency.
Here’s why it would be challenging for Democrats to replace Joe Biden as the presidential candidate
WASHINGTON (AP) — It would be extremely difficult for Democrats to replace President Joe Biden as their nominee for the 2024 presidential election unless he decides to step down following his lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump. According to Democratic rules, the delegates Biden has won in state primaries are obligated to support him at the upcoming party convention unless he formally withdraws from the race. Biden’s performance has caused some within his own party to question whether he should be replaced on the ballot before November. While Vice President Kamala Harris is Biden’s running mate, she cannot automatically take his place at the top of the ticket.
Supreme Court decision hinders charging Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, a charge Trump is facing
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling that makes it more challenging to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction. This charge has also been brought against former President Donald Trump. The justices determined on Friday that the charge of obstructing an official proceeding must include evidence that defendants attempted to tamper with or destroy documents. Not all individuals who attacked the Capitol on January 6 fall into this category. Garland stated that the court’s decision limits an important federal statute, but it will not impact the cases against the majority of those charged for the events on January 6. Trump hailed the ruling as a victory for those arrested on that day.
Divided Supreme Court decides in significant homelessness case that outdoor sleeping bans are permissible
WASHINGTON (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom believes that a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on outdoor sleeping will provide local officials with more flexibility to address the homelessness crisis. However, an attorney representing homeless individuals argues that this ruling could lead to punishment for people simply because they have nowhere else to go. The case from Oregon, decided on Friday, is a crucial one for the high court, as homelessness affects a growing number of people in the United States. In a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, the Supreme Court struck down a prior ruling that deemed outdoor sleeping bans as cruel and unusual punishment.
Chevron ruling implications: Supreme Court decision removes a commonly used tool from federal regulators
WASHINGTON (AP) — A broad Supreme Court ruling on Friday has the potential to put federal regulations that impact various aspects of daily life at risk. The court rejected a legal doctrine known as Chevron, which has been in place for 40 years and has been the foundation for upholding numerous federal regulations. This decision diminishes the power of executive branch agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and shifts it towards the courts. Critics of Chevron, including conservatives and business groups, argue that it grants excessive power to the executive branch.
US-built Gaza pier for aid distribution faces challenges
WASHINGTON (AP) — The pier constructed by the U.S. military for aid distribution in Gaza has been removed from the shore due to rough seas, raising uncertainty about its future role. Humanitarian aid groups halted the distribution of supplies from the sea on June 9 due to security concerns and have not resumed operations. U.S. officials indicate that the pier may not be reinstalled unless aid agencies agree to resume distributing aid. Meanwhile, supplies from Cyprus continue to accumulate on the shore, and the secure area on the Gaza beach is approaching capacity. The pier has faced numerous challenges, including weather damage and security issues.
Polls close in Iran’s presidential election amid rising tensions in the Middle East
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranians have participated in a snap election to select a new president following the death of hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi. The sole reformist candidate in the race has pledged to foster “friendly relations” with the West to motivate supporters in an election marked by apathy. Voters had to choose between hard-line candidates and the relatively unknown Masoud Pezeshkian. As has been the tradition since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women and proponents of radical change were excluded from running, and the election lacked oversight from international monitors. The voting took place amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with initial results expected to be announced on Saturday.
Indictment claims former Uvalde schools police chief delayed response during school shooting
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — An indictment alleges that the police chief for schools in Uvalde, Texas, failed to properly identify an active shooting, deviated from his training, and made decisions that impeded law enforcement’s ability to stop a gunman who was targeting victims. The shooter ultimately killed 21 people at Robb Elementary. Pete Arredondo was arrested and faced 10 state jail felony charges of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers. The indictment, unsealed on Friday, also included former school officer Adrian Gonzales, who was indicted on 29 similar charges.
Prosecutors conclude case in Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery trial; Defense requests for acquittals denied
NEW YORK (AP) — Following the presentation of the bribery case against Sen. Bob Menendez by prosecutors, the defense team is prepared to call witnesses to defend the Democrat and two New Jersey businessmen against multiple federal charges. On Friday, a judge rejected defense requests to dismiss the case on the grounds of insufficient evidence. Prosecutors allege that the gold bars and cash found during a raid on Menendez’s home in 2022 were bribes, while the defense claims the gold belonged to the senator’s wife. The defense also asserts that the cash was stored at home due to the family’s financial hardships in Cuba before they moved to New York.
Texas Supreme Court upholds ban on youth gender transitions, setting a precedent for other states
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court has upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youths, dismissing arguments from parents that it infringes on their right to decide on their children’s care. In an 8-1 decision on Friday, the all-Republican court maintained a law that went into effect in September 2023. Families and doctors who challenged the law claim it discriminates against transgender children and has negative impacts on families denied access to necessary treatment. Texas is one of at least 25 states that have enacted laws prohibiting certain gender-affirming care for minors.
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