The week started with a national debate about the fact that we were having a national debate about civility. Then, the Supreme Court took over the headlines.
On Tuesday, the court voted 5-4 to uphold President Trump’s controversial travel ban. In its third version, the ban restricts entry from seven countries: Iran, North Korea, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Venezuela.
The court also ruled Tuesday in favor of crisis pregnancy centers, which often advise women against having abortions. Now, it’s illegal for the California government to require centers to disclose information about pregnancy termination options.
Organized labor is facing major changes, too. The court ruled Wednesday that non-union members in specific states cannot be forced to pay fees to unions.
And Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement after 30 years. He notified President Trump of his retirement via letter:
For a member of the legal profession, it is the highest of honors to serve on this Court. Please permit me by this letter to express my profound gratitude for having had the privilege to seek in each case how best to know, interpret and defend the Constitution and the laws that must always conform to its mandates and promises.
Speculation began immediately about who President Trump might choose to fill the vacant seat, and how his decision could reshape the court for decades to come.
In primary news, newcomer Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeated Representative Joseph Crowley in an upset victory for the Democratic bid in New York’s 14th Congressional District. The 28-year-old is expected to beat Anthony Pappas in the midterms, which would make her the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.
On Wednesday, Officer Michael Rosfeld was charged with homicide in the fatal shooting of Antwon Rose in Pittsburgh. Rose, who was unarmed, had tried to flee a traffic stop when Rosfeld began to shoot.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. told the press:
I find that Rosfeld’s actions were intentional and they certainly brought about the result he was hoping to accomplish. Unless you see a genuine threat, it’s inappropriate and in fact criminal to take someone’s life.
The debate over immigration continued this week. The House did not pass a bill backed by President Trump to fund a border wall, and House Democrats demanded that the Trump administration put forth a reunification plan for immigrant parents and children separated at the border.
And this week, we learned that the rappers Cardi B and Offset have been married since September, even though Offset publicly proposed in October.
Interview:
https://the1a.org/shows/2018-06-29/friday-news-roundup-domestic
