Biden admits to debate shortcomings but vows to protect democracy. Democrats stand by him – at least for now
WASHINGTON (AP) – Following his lackluster performance in the debate with former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden is addressing Democratic concerns at a rally the day after. Biden acknowledged that he is not the same debater he once was, but he emphasized on Friday: “The decision in this election is straightforward: Donald Trump will undermine our democracy. I will defend it.” While the party’s lawmakers are showing apprehension, they are currently supporting him. Trump’s attacks on critics and his false policies serve as a reminder of the chaos that characterized his Republican presidency.
Here’s why Democrats would have a challenging time replacing Joe Biden on the presidential ticket
WASHINGTON (AP) – Unless President Joe Biden voluntarily steps down after his lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump, it would be extremely difficult for Democrats to replace him as their 2024 presidential nominee. According to Democratic rules, delegates won by Biden in state primaries remain obligated to support him at the upcoming national convention unless he announces his withdrawal from the race. Biden’s performance has led some within his party to question whether he should be substituted on the ballot before the November election. While Vice President Kamala Harris is Biden’s running mate, she cannot automatically replace him at the top of the ticket.
Supreme Court decision makes charging Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, a charge Trump faces, more challenging
WASHINGTON (AP) – Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling that makes it harder to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction. This charge has also been brought against former President Donald Trump. The justices decided on Friday that the charge of obstructing an official proceeding must demonstrate that defendants attempted to tamper with or destroy documents. Only a fraction of the individuals who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, fall under this category. While Garland believes the decision limits an important federal statute, he stated that the majority of cases related to January 6 won’t be impacted. Trump celebrated the ruling, calling it a “massive victory” for those arrested on January 6.
Supreme Court weakens federal regulators by overturning long-standing Chevron decision
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has overturned a 40-year-old decision that facilitated federal government regulation in areas like the environment, public health, workplace safety, and consumer protections. In cases brought by fishermen in New Jersey and Rhode Island, the court delivered a significant victory for business interests. The court’s conservative justices overturned the decision known as Chevron, with the liberal justices in dissent. The ruling could lead to numerous challenges that may involve billions of dollars. The essence of the Chevron decision allowed federal agencies to clarify laws when they were ambiguous. Critics argued that this power should be in the hands of judges, not government experts.
Divided Supreme Court rules that cities can uphold bans on outdoor sleeping
WASHINGTON (AP) – California Governor Gavin Newsom believes that the Supreme Court’s decision allowing cities to enforce bans on outdoor sleeping in West Coast areas will enable local officials to address the crisis more effectively. However, an attorney for homeless individuals expressed concerns that people could face punishment simply because they have nowhere else to go. The case in Oregon, decided on Friday, is the most important regarding homelessness to come before the high court in decades, affecting a growing number of individuals in the U.S. The 6-3 ruling by the high court determined that outdoor sleeping bans do not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Indictment accuses former Uvalde schools police chief of delays during shooting
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – An indictment alleges that the police chief for schools in Uvalde, Texas, failed to identify an active shooting, deviated from his training, and made critical decisions that hindered law enforcement’s response to halt a gunman who was targeting victims. The shooter ultimately claimed the lives of 21 individuals at Robb Elementary. Pete Arredondo was arrested and charged with state jail felonies of abandoning or endangering a child in connection to the tragic incident that occurred on May 24, 2022, claiming the lives of 19 children and two teachers. It was one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. The indictment was unveiled on Friday.
Prosecutors in Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery trial complete their case as the defense prepares to present its defense
NEW YORK (AP) – Prosecutors have concluded presenting their case in Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery trial, allowing the Democrat and two New Jersey businessmen to start calling their own witnesses to support their defense arguments. Prior to resting on Friday, prosecutors provided details about the senator’s financial records by examining an FBI forensic accountant. They claim that gold bars and large amounts of cash found during a raid at Menendez’s residence in 2022 were bribes. The defense contends that the gold belonged to the senator’s wife and that he stored cash at home due to his family’s significant losses in Cuba before relocating to New York, where Menendez was born.
Texas Supreme Court upholds ban on gender transitions for youth, making the state the largest with such legislation
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – The Texas Supreme Court has upheld the state’s prohibition on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youths and dismissed arguments from parents that it infringes on their right to make decisions about their children’s care. In a Friday ruling by the all-Republican court, a law that took effect in September 2023 remains intact. A group of families and doctors had challenged the law, claiming it discriminates against transgender children and has devastating effects on families denied access to treatment. Texas is among at least 25 states that have passed laws restricting some gender-affirming care for minors.
Iowa Supreme Court instructs lower court to enforce stringent abortion law
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that had temporarily halted the state’s strict abortion law and directed the lower court to implement the law. In its ruling on Friday, the high court directed the lower court to dissolve the temporary injunction and proceed with further proceedings. The new law prohibits most abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy, before many women are aware they are pregnant. Iowa joins over a dozen other states with restrictive abortion laws following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overruling of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The directives to the lower court will be officially issued in 21 days, and for the time being, abortion remains legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
AP selects the best movies of 2024 so far, from ‘Furiosa’ to ‘Thelma,’ ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ to ‘Challengers’
The movie year, slightly disrupted by the strikes in 2023, might seem to be just getting started. The box office is finally flourishing thanks to “Inside Out 2.” Yet, at the midpoint of the year, several outstanding movies have already been released – more than one might realize. Associated Press Film Writers Jake Coyle and Lindsey Bahr believe that some of the best films at the midway point of 2024 include the coming-of-age story “I Saw the TV Glow” from 1990, the second installment of the “Dune” series, the animated film “Robot Dreams,” and the revenge tale “Thelma” featuring June Squibb.
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