In a legal defeat for the Trump administration, a federal judge ruled that the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, was unlawful. The ruling, made by U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, permanently blocks the use of military force to quell protests, rejecting the administration’s claim of a rebellion justifying the troops. This decision, which followed an earlier interim order, comes after the city of Portland and the Oregon Attorney General’s Office sued, arguing the administration exaggerated violence to justify the deployment. The Justice Department is likely to appeal the ruling, potentially leading the case to the Supreme Court.
Read More
Deep mistrust among Senate Democrats towards President Trump has caused them to reject a proposal to reopen the government. Democrats are hesitant because of concerns that Trump will not act in good faith to extend health insurance subsidies or stop firing federal workers. Senate Democrats have expressed doubt that Trump will adhere to any agreement, citing past instances where he has undermined bipartisan negotiations and refused to cooperate with Democratic leaders. Republicans are now struggling to secure the necessary votes to end the shutdown due to this lack of trust.
Read More
In an effort to end the ongoing government shutdown, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed a new plan to Republicans. The proposal involves Democrats dropping their demand for a long-term extension of ACA tax credits in exchange for a one-year extension of the subsidies. Schumer also suggested a bipartisan committee to address health-care affordability. However, Republicans quickly rejected the proposal, with Senator Lindsey Graham labeling it as “political hostage taking” and stating it would not be supported.
Read More
President Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low, dipping into double-digit negative territory according to RealClearPolling’s national average. This decline follows the longest government shutdown in history, which appears to be fueling public discontent, as evidenced by polls from various organizations. The shutdown has disrupted essential programs like SNAP, impacting millions and leading to accusations of weaponizing hunger. While lawmakers continue to seek a solution to end the shutdown, the president’s approval rating and Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections are at stake.
Read More
Former Teen Top member C.A.P has been appointed head of the preparatory committee for Korea’s first idol labor union, aiming to launch within the year. The Idol Labor Union Preparatory Committee seeks to protect the rights of idol singers and pop culture workers, with more than ten idols expressing interest, including Ailee. The committee emphasizes the need for entertainment agencies to adopt standardized protocols to safeguard performers’ mental health and legal rights. The union’s establishment report was submitted to the Ministry of Employment and Labor in September.
Read More
The United States has granted Hungary an indefinite exemption from sanctions on Russian oil purchases, a significant win for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán following a meeting with Donald Trump. This decision allows Hungary to continue importing Russian oil and natural gas through its pipelines, contrasting with broader European Union efforts to reduce Russian energy dependence. The exemption coincides with growing economic challenges and political opposition within Hungary, as well as a new series of energy agreements with the US, including a nuclear fuel contract and potential deals for LNG and small modular reactors. While preserving Hungary’s access to Russian energy and allowing the US to exert leverage, the long-term impact on Orbán’s political standing and Hungary’s geopolitical alignment remains uncertain.
Read More
The Jobs Report Is Canceled. Here’s What Private Data Shows.
With the official jobs report sidelined due to the government shutdown, the focus shifts to private sector data, and the picture it paints isn’t exactly rosy. While the labor market hasn’t cratered, the available information suggests a modest weakening since the summer. It appears we’re in a bit of a holding pattern – not a sharp decline, but certainly not a surge of growth. The situation reminds me of treading water; we’re staying afloat, but not exactly making progress.
The data sources offer a mixed bag. Some reports suggest a slight decline in private-sector employment, while others show a modest rebound.… Continue reading
The Austrian government announced that its domestic intelligence service had discovered a weapons cache in Vienna. Authorities believe the weapons are connected to Hamas and intended for potential terrorist attacks within Europe. The exact nature and origin of the weapons are under investigation. Further details regarding the planned attacks and any potential accomplices are currently being investigated by officials.
Read More
Michigan Senate Democrats are proposing a three-bill package aimed at restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities within the state. The legislation seeks to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and conducting enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools, except under specific circumstances like a court order or imminent public safety threat. Additionally, the bills would prevent local and state police from sharing identifying information with ICE for immigration enforcement purposes without a warrant. While the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee heard testimony on the bills, a vote was not taken, and the package’s passage is uncertain given the Republican-controlled House. The sponsors believe these measures are crucial to protect resident privacy and ensure accountability.
Read More
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted a lower court’s order requiring the Trump administration to pay full SNAP benefits to 42 million Americans for November due to the ongoing government shutdown. This decision came after an appeals court denied the administration’s emergency request to halt the order, but it also said it would soon rule on whether the administration was entitled to a stay of the order. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s order pushed the appeals court to quickly determine whether to issue a stay, citing the administration’s need to transfer billions to fund SNAP benefits. This decision will be in effect for a maximum of 48 hours after the First Circuit’s resolution of the pending motion.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Michigan Considers Banning ICE Agents from Churches, Schools
Michigan Senate Democrats are proposing a three-bill package aimed at restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities within the state. The legislation seeks to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and conducting enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools, except under specific circumstances like a court order or imminent public safety threat. Additionally, the bills would prevent local and state police from sharing identifying information with ICE for immigration enforcement purposes without a warrant. While the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee heard testimony on the bills, a vote was not taken, and the package’s passage is uncertain given the Republican-controlled House. The sponsors believe these measures are crucial to protect resident privacy and ensure accountability.
Read More