Wednesday, July 3, 2024
NY Judge Makes MAJOR RULING on Trump SENTENCING
Judge Merchan has delayed the sentencing of Trump for his 34 felony convictions until 9/18 to give the parties time to fully brief the issue as to whether the new United States Supreme Court decision on immunity applies to Donald Trump’s criminal conduct BEFORE he was president, at all. Michael Popok of Legal AF explains why this is the right decision and that Trump will ultimately likely lose on the immunity issue
Trump SMACKED DOWN As Cheney Reveals Trial Truth After Alarming Posts
Donald Trump deletes his posts after boosting QAnon memes attacking Liz Cheney with calls for military tribunal, which get immediately ripped apart by Cheney, and featuring Melania Trump in bizarre Truth Social move.
She was a firebrand Democrat. Now, Cleta Mitchell is a rising star of Republican election denialism
"I think you could argue she is the most important Washington conservative not in public office," conservative commentator George Will, a friend of Mitchell's, told the Wall Street Journal in 2010. "She's armed and zealous."…
"Election integrity is something I have been quite passionate about for many, many years," she said. "That was and remains my goal in trying to get to the truth about the Georgia election results. Those who deny the existence of voter and election fraud are not in touch with facts and reality."…
Sotomayor says immunity ruling makes a president ‘king above the law’
"Orders the Navy's Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival? Immune. Organizes a military coup to hold onto power? Immune. Takes a bribe in exchange for a pardon? Immune. Immune, immune, immune.
"Let the President violate the law, let him exploit the trappings of his office for personal gain, let him use his official power for evil ends. Because if he knew that he may one day face liability for breaking the law, he might not be as bold and fearless as we would like him to be. That is the majority's message today.
"Even if these nightmare scenarios never play out, and I pray they never do, the damage has been done. The relationship between the President and the people he serves has shifted irrevocably. In every use of official power, the President is now a king above the law."…
TV giant known for rightwing disinformation doubles down on its national news agenda
Sinclair, one of the largest owners of US television stations, has established itself as an influential player in the conservative movement by using trusted local news channels to spread disinformation and manipulated video of Joe Biden, media analysts say...
For example, the company distributed stories to its local news websites based on videos manipulated by the Republican National Committee to, in one case, make it look as though President Biden soiled himself...
Biden unveils rules to protect millions of US workers from extreme heat
The White House revealed the heat standard proposal alongside a suite of other new heat and climate-focused measures. Another new effort: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) announced it is allocating $1bn in awards to help communities grapple with climate threats such as heat, storms, and floods...
Louisiana's new surgical castration law, explained : NPR
The use of surgical castration as punishment, which is a permanent procedure that involves the surgical removal of the testicles or ovaries ostensibly to stop the production of sex hormones, is rare elsewhere around the world. The Czech Republic, Madagascar and a state in Nigeria have such laws on the books that have been strongly criticized by Amnesty Internationaland other human rights organizations...
Lawrence reveals the ‘very bad news’ for Trump in the immunity decision
“Mike Pence is going to walk into a federal court room, raise his right hand, take an oath to tell the truth and testify against Donald Trump in this case in September,” says Lawrence O’Donnell on the “bad news” coming out of the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling.
I saw children caged on the US-Mexico border – and my life changed completely
When Fiona Burke saw the shocking images in lockdown, she knew she had to help. Now she spends four months each winter volunteering on the border, helping migrants who are battling the odds,..
Democrats: Stop Panicking
Lincoln Project isn't giving up almost 250 years of democracy because of 90 minutes last week and you shouldn’t either. 1 bad night won’t derail us from our mission, it has only energized us:
'With fear for our democracy, I dissent': Justice Sotomayor slams majority's ruling
Former Acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Katyal joins Katy Tur to discuss Justice Sonia Sotomayor's dissent that blasted the majority's opinion, saying the "stakes are astronomical" in November.
BREAKING: Supreme Court rules Trump is not fully immune from criminal charges
The Supreme Court ruled that former President Trump is not fully immune from the criminal charges against him. Our legal panel joins Katy Tur to explain the decision and share their analysis.
BOMBSHELL: Supreme Court quietly sends signal to Judge Cannon
Supreme Court quietly hands GIFT to Judge Cannon
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
"Power Grab": Supreme Court Overturns 4 Decades of Federal Regulatory Control, hands power to the courts
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday approved a power grab by corporate interests who want to strip federal agencies of their power to regulate public health, the climate and environment, worker protection and more. In the 6-3 ruling, the court’s conservative majority overturned a precedent known as the Chevron doctrine, which established that judges should defer to federal agencies on interpreting a law if Congress did not specifically address the issue. We speak with Mustafa Ali, former head of the environmental justice program at the Environmental Protection Agency, who describes it as “a very devastating decision,” and to The Nation's justice correspondent, Elie Mystal. “It's taking power out of our hands, out of the democracy’s hands, and putting it in the hands of the court,” says Mystal, who also addresses other recent rulings from the court at the end of its term, including the highly anticipated ruling on presidential immunity.
How To Defeat Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law with Attorney Sam Grover
In the latest episode of the Cross Examiner podcast, we delve into a contentious legal battle that has significant implications for the separation of church and state in the United States. Our host, an attorney and atheist, interviews Sam Grover, Senior Counsel for Litigation at the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF), to discuss their lawsuit challenging Louisiana's newly enacted law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom.
The episode opens with a strong statement from the host, highlighting the alarming rise of Christian nationalism and the misinformation fueling it. This sets the stage for a deep dive into the legal intricacies of the case. Sam Grover, who has been with FFRF for over a decade, provides a comprehensive overview of the coalition formed to challenge the law. This coalition includes heavyweights like the ACLU, ACLU of Louisiana, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, along with the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which is offering pro bono services.
Grover explains the mechanics of how such a coalition operates, from vetting potential plaintiffs to drafting the complaint. He emphasizes the overwhelming response from Louisiana residents who are concerned about the law's implications, highlighting that the coalition's plaintiffs include not just atheists and agnostics but also Christians and members of minority religions.
One of the most compelling parts of the episode is the discussion about the real-world implications for plaintiffs. Grover recounts the harassment and threats faced by individuals who stand up against such unconstitutional laws, emphasizing the bravery of the plaintiffs involved in this case.
The discussion then shifts to the legal arguments against the law. Grover breaks down the claims under the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause. He argues that the Louisiana law is a blatant constitutional violation, citing the Supreme Court's precedent in Stone v. Graham, which struck down a similar law in Kentucky in 1980. Despite the Supreme Court's recent shift away from the Lemon test, which was used in Stone v. Graham, Grover remains confident that the coercive nature of the law will render it unconstitutional.
The episode also touches on the broader implications of the Supreme Court's recent decisions, particularly the move towards a "history and tradition" test for Establishment Clause cases. Grover expresses concern about this shift but remains hopeful that the clear lack of historical precedent for such a law in public schools will work in their favor.
The interview concludes with a call to action for listeners to support FFRF and other organizations fighting for the separation of church and state. Grover encourages listeners to become members, highlighting the importance of collective action in safeguarding constitutional rights.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in constitutional law, religious freedom, and the ongoing battle against Christian nationalism. Grover's insights provide a clear understanding of the stakes involved and the legal strategies being employed to protect the First Amendment.
Introduction 00:00:00
Interview with Sam Grover 00:02:00
Background on FFRF and Legal Career 00:04:00
Details of the Louisiana Case 00:10:00
Legal Strategies and Challenges 00:20:00
Historical Context and Legal Precedents 00:30:00
Potential Outcomes and Future Implications 00:45:00
Closing Remarks 00:58:00
Interview:
The episode opens with a strong statement from the host, highlighting the alarming rise of Christian nationalism and the misinformation fueling it. This sets the stage for a deep dive into the legal intricacies of the case. Sam Grover, who has been with FFRF for over a decade, provides a comprehensive overview of the coalition formed to challenge the law. This coalition includes heavyweights like the ACLU, ACLU of Louisiana, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, along with the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which is offering pro bono services.
Grover explains the mechanics of how such a coalition operates, from vetting potential plaintiffs to drafting the complaint. He emphasizes the overwhelming response from Louisiana residents who are concerned about the law's implications, highlighting that the coalition's plaintiffs include not just atheists and agnostics but also Christians and members of minority religions.
One of the most compelling parts of the episode is the discussion about the real-world implications for plaintiffs. Grover recounts the harassment and threats faced by individuals who stand up against such unconstitutional laws, emphasizing the bravery of the plaintiffs involved in this case.
The discussion then shifts to the legal arguments against the law. Grover breaks down the claims under the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause. He argues that the Louisiana law is a blatant constitutional violation, citing the Supreme Court's precedent in Stone v. Graham, which struck down a similar law in Kentucky in 1980. Despite the Supreme Court's recent shift away from the Lemon test, which was used in Stone v. Graham, Grover remains confident that the coercive nature of the law will render it unconstitutional.
The episode also touches on the broader implications of the Supreme Court's recent decisions, particularly the move towards a "history and tradition" test for Establishment Clause cases. Grover expresses concern about this shift but remains hopeful that the clear lack of historical precedent for such a law in public schools will work in their favor.
The interview concludes with a call to action for listeners to support FFRF and other organizations fighting for the separation of church and state. Grover encourages listeners to become members, highlighting the importance of collective action in safeguarding constitutional rights.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in constitutional law, religious freedom, and the ongoing battle against Christian nationalism. Grover's insights provide a clear understanding of the stakes involved and the legal strategies being employed to protect the First Amendment.
Introduction 00:00:00
Interview with Sam Grover 00:02:00
Background on FFRF and Legal Career 00:04:00
Details of the Louisiana Case 00:10:00
Legal Strategies and Challenges 00:20:00
Historical Context and Legal Precedents 00:30:00
Potential Outcomes and Future Implications 00:45:00
Closing Remarks 00:58:00
Interview:
Monday, July 1, 2024
Side Quests in Mar-a-Lago (Andrew McCabe and Allison Gill; Jack: A Special Counsel podcast, Episode #83)
Judge Cannon is off on several side quests. Including:
Plus, a listener question.
Interview:
- hearings on alleged violations of Trump’s 4th Amendment rights;
- the funding of the Special Counsel;
- Evan Corcoran’s notes.
- She’s also called for briefings on Trump’s motion to dismiss based on spoliation of evidence.
- We have updates to Jack Smith’s motion to modify Trump’s bail conditions and information about a previously unknown trip Trump took from Bedminster to Mar-a-Lago before the search to check on his boxes.
Plus, a listener question.
Interview:
Norm Ornstein on The Debate & SCOTUS (Al Franken podcast)
Donald Trump lied over and over again at the debate.
But it’s been overshadowed by President Biden’s terrible performance.
Political scientist and an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute Norm Ornstein joins us to recap Thursday evening’s debacle. Is there a plan forward for the Democratic Party if Biden drops out? How can Biden prove that the debate was an anomaly and win his party back?
Plus, the latest round of Supreme Court decisions dropped on Friday. Norm breaks down the terrible decisions and what they say about the direction they are taking this country.
Interview:
Weekly Roundup: The Debate From Hell (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast)
We’re discussing the fallout from Thursday’s presidential debate, highlighting President Biden’s poor performance and its potential impact on his campaign.
We also cover significant Supreme Court decisions related to abortion access and gun rights for domestic abusers.
Additionally, the episode touches on Oklahoma’s controversial move to make Bible teaching compulsory in schools and the importance of staying informed and engaged as crucial political and legal battles unfold.
Interview:
Trump Supporters BREAK FREE from Him at KEY MOMENT
Donald Trump supporters, who previously voted for him, going public with the fact they will no longer vote for him and will vote for President Biden.
MAGA Lunatic ROASTED for Defending Trump LIVE
MAGA allies like JD Vance defending Donald Trump's debate full of lies.
WOTM: Find Your Inner Republican (Debate Response)
If you need some perspective after Thursday night's debate, here it is!
Trump SCAM in Atlanta has SHOCKING NEW DETAILS
Shocking new details about the scam Donald Trump pulled in Atlanta.
Fox at risk of NEW LAWSUIT over dangerous claim
Elias discusses Fox News' legal exposure for inciting more January 6-style violence.
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