THREAD: turmoil as supreme court victory

REPUBLICANS TRIUMPH: KEY Pennsylvania Seat Flipped

07 November 2024 — Rob Bresnahan flipped Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, unseating Democrat Matt Cartwright, who held the seat since 2013. The race was tight, with Bresnahan winning by about 7,000 votes. A bomb threat in Luzerne County added to the election night tension.

Bresnahan credited his grassroots campaign for the win. “We shook every hand,” he said, showing his commitment to engaging voters directly instead of relying on media ads. His team logged over 50,000 miles on their pickup truck during the campaign.

Host Mike Slater highlighted this win’s importance in Scranton, a traditionally Democratic area linked with President Joe Biden. This victory aids Republican efforts to keep control of the House amid ongoing battles nationwide.

Bresnahan had marked this race as vital for securing a Republican majority in the House. He noted that capturing Pennsylvania’s 8th District was crucial for GOP success and expressed satisfaction with reaching that goal through dedicated campaigning efforts.

TRUMP’S Triumph Ignites Outrage: Just Stop OIL Strikes Back

06 November 2024 — On Wednesday, Donald Trump claimed victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, winning support from over 70 million Americans. Yet, not everyone was pleased. The far-left group Just Stop Oil showed their anger by splashing bright orange paint on the U.S. Embassy in London.

Just Stop Oil slammed corporate power and fossil fuel industries, saying they control major political parties and are the real winners of the election. They called Trump a “fake populist,” claiming he ignores what they see as vital — stopping oil and gas drilling. The group urged regular people to act since they believe no leaders will make needed changes.

Activist Joseph Aggarwal was detained by police after joining the protest. He voiced concerns about a lack of true democracy across Western nations, arguing voters get similar policies no matter which party wins, worsening living conditions and climate issues. Aggarwal accused Trump of using public frustration to help billionaires while ignoring urgent environmental problems.

TRUMP’S Triumph: Disillusioned Voters Reject Harris-Biden Agenda

06 November 2024 — Former President Donald Trump has made a comeback to the White House, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden’s nearly four-year term. Many voters, unhappy with America’s path, embraced Trump’s bold approach. AP VoteCast showed about 3 in 10 voters wanted a complete government overhaul.

Economic concerns were key in Trump’s victory, overshadowing issues like democracy and abortion protections favored by Harris’ supporters. Voters worried about the economy supported stronger immigration enforcement and believed Trump was better suited to tackle economic challenges. This sentiment was strong in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Even though he won the electoral college, some voters had reservations about Trump’s potential use of power. A notable number expressed concern over possible authoritarianism under his leadership. Yet more than 1 in 10 concerned voters still backed him despite these fears.

Inflation anxiety was a major concern nationwide as families felt their financial situations worsening since the last election cycle. The rising cost of living remained an urgent issue for many Americans struggling with higher prices on essentials like groceries and housing costs. These economic pressures greatly boosted Trump’s appeal among disenchanted voters seeking change.

TRUMP’S Shocking Victory: Pennsylvania WIN Secures Presidency

06 November 2024 — Fox News declared Donald TRUMP the winner of Pennsylvania early Wednesday morning, securing his victory in the presidential race. Trump delivered a victory speech at Mar-a-Lago around 2:30 a.m. ET.

NBC’s Yamiche Alcindor reported that aides to Kamala Harris acknowledged her loss, despite no official concession from Harris herself. Her team discussed future cooperation with the Trump administration.

The Associated Press, CNN, and MSNBC confirmed Trump’s victory later in the morning, around 6 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, Harris left her election night event at Howard University without making any public remarks or conceding to Trump.

TRUMP’S Triumph: World Leaders Cheer His Return

06 November 2024 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly congratulated Donald Trump on his HISTORIC return to the White House. Netanyahu, facing challenges with Iran, shared his excitement on X. He stressed the renewed alliance between Israel and America under Trump’s leadership.

Fox News announced Trump’s victory early Wednesday morning, marking a significant political comeback. World leaders swiftly offered their congratulations on X, showing international readiness for collaboration. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed eagerness to work with Trump again for global peace and prosperity.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban celebrated Trump’s win as a monumental comeback in U.S. political history. Orban highlighted the importance of this victory for global politics, aligning with his own border control policies. Fox News reported Trump’s victory over Harris in Wisconsin, flipping a key state back to Republican control.

SUPREME COURT Decision Sparks Fury: Virginia Voter Purge Backed

31 October 2024 — The Supreme Court’s conservative majority upheld Virginia’s voter registration purge on Wednesday. The state argues this action prevents non-citizens from voting. This decision aligns with Virginia’s Republican administration under Governor Glenn Youngkin.

A Virginian affected by the purge criticized it as “a very bad October surprise,” despite living in the state her entire life. The court’s ruling came over the dissent of its three liberal justices, highlighting a clear ideological divide.

The Supreme Court did not provide an explanation for its decision, which is common in emergency appeals. This move underscores ongoing debates about voter registration and election integrity across the nation.

BIDEN DEMANDS Supreme Court Shake-UP: Sparks Intense Debate

29 July 2024 — President Biden has called for major changes to the Supreme Court, sparking a heated debate. Co-host Jonathan Lemire discussed the topic with Senator Cory Booker, who downplayed the extent of the proposed reforms.

Booker argued that these changes are practical and have bipartisan support. He emphasized that the highest court should not have low ethics standards, pointing out that right-wing billionaires are giving lavish gifts to justices with cases before the court.

Booker also supported term limits for justices, similar to other major democracies. He stressed that courts should not be influenced by financial gifts from interested parties as this undermines democracy and delegitimizes institutions.

REFORMIST VICTORY: Iran’s New President Promises Change

06 July 2024 — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election, defeating hard-liner Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian promised to reach out to the West and ease enforcement on the mandatory headscarf law. He secured 16.3 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million in an election with a 49.6% turnout.

Pezeshkian assured no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy, acknowledging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the final authority. Despite his modest aims, he faces challenges from hard-liners and ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Western concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Supporters celebrated in Tehran and other cities as Pezeshkian’s lead grew over Jalili. The heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker addressed journalists at Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s mausoleum, emphasizing his commitment to honesty and fulfilling promises made during his campaign.

Pezeshkian’s victory comes at a delicate time with high tensions in the Mideast and an upcoming U.S. election that could impact relations between Tehran and Washington. His win wasn’t a landslide, indicating he must navigate Iran’s complex internal politics carefully as he lacks experience in high-level security roles.

LABOUR PARTY’S Landslide WIN Ends Conservative Rule In UK

05 July 2024 — Britain’s new prime minister, Keir Starmer, has pledged to reverse the despair that accumulated over 14 years of Conservative rule. He promises an urgent mission of national renewal after Labour’s landslide victory.

The challenges are significant. Rising poverty, crumbling infrastructure, a lagging economy, and an overstretched National Health Service have led to widespread dissatisfaction. The defeat marks the worst ever for Conservatives in the UK.

Labour will now form the next government amid calls for immediate action to address these pressing issues. Follow AP’s live coverage of the election for more updates on this historic shift in British politics.

SUPREME COURT Shocker: Emergency Abortions Allowed in Idaho

26 June 2024 — The Supreme Court is set to permit emergency abortions in Idaho when a pregnant patient’s health is at serious risk. A draft opinion briefly posted on the court’s website indicates a 6-3 vote to reinstate a lower court order allowing such procedures. Conservative Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissented.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson noted that this decision does not resolve the core issues of Idaho’s strict abortion ban. She emphasized that today’s ruling is merely a delay, not a victory for pregnant patients in Idaho. The case will continue at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court and may return to the Supreme Court later.

The Supreme Court acknowledged an inadvertent posting of the document and stated that an official opinion would be issued “in due course.” This development leaves many key questions unanswered, prolonging uncertainty around Idaho’s abortion laws.

OKLAHOMA Court BLOCKS First Religious Charter School

25 June 2024 — The Oklahoma Supreme Court halted the establishment of the first publicly funded religious charter school in the U.S. The court ruled that the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board’s approval of St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School violated both state and federal constitutions. This decision is a setback for conservatives and Governor Kevin Stitt, who have supported religious involvement in public education.

Justice James Winchester stated that under Oklahoma law, charter schools must be nonsectarian, making it unconstitutional for St. Isidore to operate as a Catholic school with public funding. The ruling emphasized that public schools cannot evangelize or promote religious curricula while receiving state sponsorship.

Supporters of the school had hoped recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions would allow more flexibility for public funds to go to religious entities. Conservative states like Louisiana have already pushed for more religious content in public schools, such as posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms and teaching the Bible.

In response to the ruling, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Diocese of Tulsa announced they will “consider all legal options.” This case will likely continue to be a focal point in debates over religion’s role in publicly funded education systems across America.

UK Government’s CLIMATE STRATEGY Crumbles Under Court Scrutiny

03 May 2024 — A High Court judge has ruled the UK government’s climate strategy illegal, marking another significant setback. This decision is the second time in two years that the government has failed to meet its legal emissions targets. Justice Clive Sheldon highlighted that the plan lacked credible evidence to support its feasibility.

The scrutinized Carbon Budget Delivery Plan was intended to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Yet, Justice Sheldon criticized it for being “vague and unquantified,” pointing out a serious lack of detail and clarity in the proposal.

Environmental organizations argued successfully that the government did not disclose vital details about how it would implement its strategy to Parliament. This omission of information hindered proper legislative oversight and played a pivotal role in the plan’s rejection by the court.

This ruling sends a clear message about accountability and transparency needed in governmental actions, especially concerning environmental policies critical for future generations.

TITLE IX Overhaul Sparks Outrage: Accused Students Lose Crucial Protections

19 April 2024 — The Biden administration has introduced new Title IX regulations, bolstering protections for LGBTQ+ students and victims of sexual assault on campus. This change, fulfilling a promise by President Joe Biden, reverses the policies set by former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos which had granted additional rights to students accused of sexual misconduct.

The updated policy notably excludes provisions concerning transgender athletes, a contentious issue. Initially aimed at preventing outright bans on transgender athletes, this aspect was postponed. Critics suggest the delay is a tactical move during an election year as Republican resistance to transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports grows stronger.

Victims’ advocates have praised the policy for creating safer and more inclusive educational environments. However, it has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans who contend it strips away fundamental rights of accused students. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona stressed that education must be free from discrimination, ensuring no student faces bullying or discrimination based on their identity or orientation.

Overall, while the intention behind these revisions is to foster inclusivity and safety in educational settings, they have ignited significant controversy over fairness and due process for all students involved in disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct allegations.

TRUMP SURGES Ahead in Michigan: Biden’s Struggle to Secure Base Exposed

25 March 2024 — A recent trial ballot in Michigan has revealed a surprising lead for Trump over Biden, with 47 percent favoring the former president compared to 44 percent for the incumbent. This result falls within the survey’s ±3 percent margin of error, leaving nine percent of voters still undecided.

In a more complex five-way trial ballot test, Trump maintains his lead at 44 percent against Biden’s 42 percent. The remaining votes are split among independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein, and independent Cornel West.

Steve Mitchell, president of Mitchell Research, attributes Trump’s lead to Biden’s lackluster support from African Americans and younger voters. He forecasts a nail-biting contest ahead as the victory will likely hinge on which candidate can rally their base more effectively.

In a head-to-head choice between Trump and Biden, an overwhelming 90 percent of Republican Michiganders back Trump while only 84 percent of Democrats support Biden. This poll report underscores an uncomfortable situation for Biden as he loses a significant 12 percent chunk of his vote to former President Trump.

DEFEAT for Disney: Court TOSSES Lawsuit Against Governor DeSantis

01 February 2024 — On Wednesday, a significant legal victory was scored by Governor DeSantis and his administration. The court dismissed a lawsuit brought by Disney, asserting that the entertainment giant lacked the necessary standing to sue.

The basis for dismissal centered on Disney’s inability to demonstrate any imminent harm or injury directly linked to actions taken by either the Secretary or governor.

While the court acknowledged that Disney could potentially bring a case against members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CTFOD), it was determined that even then, they would not prevail.

The case in question, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts v. DeSantis (No. 4:23-cv-163), took place in the U.S. District Court for Northern Florida.

Supreme Court: Last RESORT for CUNY Professors Suing Union Over Alleged Antisemitism

22 January 2024 — A collective of professors from the City University of New York (CUNY) is taking legal action against a teachers union, Professional Staff Congress/CUNY (PSC). They accuse PSC of fostering antisemitism. The professors see their ultimate hope in the Supreme Court’s intervention. Despite their resignation from the union due to its perceived anti-Jewish bias, state law obliges them to maintain an association with it.

The dispute ignited when PSC endorsed a “Resolution in Support of the Palestinian People” in 2021. This resolution was interpreted as antisemitic and anti-Israel by six professors, prompting their withdrawal from the union. Nonetheless, New York State law dictates that these same professors must be represented by this union in collective bargaining discussions.

Avraham Goldstein, a mathematics professor and one of the six dissenters, voiced his distress over being compelled to align with a union he believes issues antisemitic statements without his approval.

This legal battle follows on from a significant Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME (2018). The court decided that public employees who are not members can’t be forced to pay fees to a union as it infringes upon their First Amendment rights.

Biden’s BOLD Defiance of Supreme Court: The TRUTH Behind Student Loan Forgiveness Numbers

21 December 2023 — President Joe Biden made a bold claim on Wednesday, boasting about his defiance of the Supreme Court’s ruling on student loans. During a speech in Milwaukee, he asserted that he had wiped out the debt for 136 million people. This statement came despite the Supreme Court rejecting his $400 billion loan forgiveness plan back in June.

However, this claim not only challenges the separation of powers but also holds no water factually. As per data from early December, only $132 billion in student loan debt has been cleared for a mere 3.6 million borrowers. This implies that Biden exaggerated the number of beneficiaries by an astounding figure – approximately 133 million.

Biden’s misrepresentation sparks concerns about his administration’s transparency and its respect for judicial decisions. His remarks further fuel ongoing discussions around student loan forgiveness and its ripple effects on economic aspects like homeownership and entrepreneurship.

“This incident underscores the need for accurate information from our leaders and respectful adherence to judicial rulings. It also highlights how critical it is to have open dialogues about policy impacts, particularly when they affect millions of Americans’ financial futures.”

SMITH’S Triumphant Return: Reclaims Mayoral Seat, AMO Breaks Barriers in Rhode Island, and Beshear Clinches Kentucky Governorship

08 November 2023 — Mr. Smith has successfully reclaimed his position as mayor, defeating the current office holder Kimberly Mata-Rubio. This victory marks his third term in office, having previously served from 2008 to 2010.

Rhode Island is now home to its first black congressman, Mr. Amo. Despite this historic achievement, Amo maintains that he didn’t run for recognition but to champion women’s rights and the interests of the working class.

In a nail-biting Kentucky gubernatorial race closely watched nationwide, Mr. Beshear came out on top. As the son of former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, he managed a slim victory over incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin by a margin of roughly 5,000 votes.

The recent U.S ballot initiative establishes individual rights relating to reproductive decisions following last year’s Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade — a move that returns abortion regulation power back to individual states.

TRUMP’S FIGHT: The Fourteenth Amendment Takes Center Stage in Ballot Battle

03 November 2023 — A brewing legal battle is placing the spotlight on the Fourteenth Amendment’s “Insurrection Clause”. Plaintiffs argue that President Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, should bar him from appearing on future ballots.

This legal challenge is not unique to one state. Similar cases are popping up across the country, including Colorado. Here, Judge Sarah Wallace, an appointee of Democrat Governor Jared Polis, presides over the case. There is a possibility that this issue may escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump’s defense team counters by asserting that this amendment doesn’t extend to presidents. They highlight that while it mentions Senators and Representatives among others, it does not explicitly include presidents. The presidential oath has its own separate provision in the Constitution.

LABOUR PARTY Triumphs: Shocking Upset in Special Elections Reshapes UK Political Landscape

21 October 2023 — In a surprising turn of events, Britain’s Labour Party has managed to secure two Parliament seats previously dominated by the Conservatives. This unexpected victory took place in the special elections held in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire, with a significant number of voters switching their loyalty to Labour.

This win strengthens Labour’s standing as the primary challenger for next year’s national election. It also piles pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to rejuvenate his party’s reputation. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, proclaimed that his party is “redrawing the political map”.

The victories were marked by Sarah Edwards’ success in Tamworth and Alistair Strathern’s triumph in Mid-Bedfordshire, both overcoming substantial Conservative majorities from 2019. However, it should be noted that voter turnout was relatively low at 36% and 44% respectively. Additionally, these elections took place under unique circumstances due to resignations from former lawmakers.