Despite Elon Musk’s record-breaking $25 million investment in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election—the largest sum ever spent in a state supreme court race—his preferred candidate, Brad Schimel, lost to Democratic-backed Susan Crawford. This outcome maintains a 4-3 liberal majority on the court. The election, attracting national attention as a key swing-state contest, served as a referendum on the influence of Musk and Trump in down-ballot races. The Wisconsin Supreme Court will now face critical decisions on issues including abortion, redistricting, and union rights.
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Susan Crawford secured a victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, maintaining a liberal 4-3 majority and defying Elon Musk’s multi-million dollar campaign against her. The intensely competitive race, the most expensive state Supreme Court election in U.S. history, saw Democrats successfully frame Musk as the antagonist, contrasting his influence with Crawford’s commitment to justice. This win ensures liberal control over upcoming crucial cases concerning abortion rights, collective bargaining, and redistricting. The outcome also marks a setback for Donald Trump, who endorsed Crawford’s opponent.
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In response to US tariffs, the EU initially mirrored American actions with equivalent levies. However, facing further threats targeting both tariffs and non-tariff barriers, the EU now plans a stronger counter-response. This strategy leverages the EU’s economic power, including its large market size and influence across various sectors. Potential targets for retaliatory measures include major US financial institutions and tech companies. The EU intends to employ a broader range of countermeasures beyond simple tariff matching.
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Following a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced Ukraine’s readiness to commence the first cluster of EU accession negotiations. This announcement follows Germany’s commitment of an additional €3 billion in aid, encompassing crucial defense systems to bolster Ukraine’s security. Sybiha expressed gratitude for Germany’s continued support, highlighting the €8 billion allocated for future aid and its significance in ensuring long-term Ukrainian and European security. The aid package will facilitate new contracts with German defense companies, solidifying a strategic partnership.
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The far-right leader received a four-year sentence (two years suspended, two under house arrest), a €100,000 fine, and a five-year ban from elections. International condemnation followed the verdict, with allies like Donald Trump decrying it as politically motivated. The leader herself claimed the ruling was a political decision, a contention rejected by French officials. The Justice Minister and Prosecutor General strongly condemned threats against the magistrates involved in the case, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence.
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Governor Tate Reeves signed a bill eliminating Mississippi’s income tax over 14 years, making it the first state to do so. The legislation, passed due to unnoticed typos nullifying intended economic growth safeguards, also lowers the grocery sales tax and raises the gasoline tax to fund infrastructure improvements. While proponents argue this will stimulate economic growth and attract new residents, critics express concern over a significant budget shortfall, potential cuts to essential services, and increased tax burdens on lower-income residents. The bill’s long-term economic effects remain uncertain, with differing opinions among local officials and experts.
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Elon Musk’s America PAC held a rally in Green Bay, awarding two $1 million checks to petition signers, ostensibly to boost voter turnout in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race. This action, mirroring similar efforts in prior elections, is viewed by some as a potentially illegal attempt to buy votes by incentivizing petition signing and offering further financial rewards for supporting his preferred candidate, Brad Schimel. The winners’ affiliations raise questions about the selection process, given one winner’s connection to a major Republican donor and the other’s role with the Wisconsin College Republicans. This strategy aims to influence the close election between Schimel and Susan Crawford.
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Senator Cory Booker delivered a 23-hour speech on the Senate floor, the second longest in Senate history, protesting President Trump’s administration. His marathon speech, though primarily symbolic, effectively halted Senate business and served as a high-profile rebuke of the administration’s actions. Booker cited numerous concerns, including potential healthcare cuts and the undermining of democratic institutions, framing the situation as a national crisis. The speech garnered support from fellow Democrats, who joined him on the floor, highlighting the party’s increasing pushback against the Trump administration.
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Senator Cory Booker’s lengthy Senate floor speech, exceeding Ted Cruz’s previous record of 21 hours and 19 minutes, focuses on criticizing the Trump administration’s policies and spending cuts. While not a formal filibuster, Booker’s speech, fueled by readings of various documents and testimonies, is a strategic move by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to highlight key issues before the midterms. Booker continues to speak, aiming to surpass Strom Thurmond’s all-time record of 24 hours and 18 minutes, and has received praise from fellow Democrats. The speech’s duration remains uncertain.
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The defendant claims the encounter was consensual, stating the complainant initiated contact and consented to sex after he offered to walk her to a shop, but the prosecution argued this was rape, exploiting the victim’s intoxication. The prosecution sought a three-year suspended sentence, while the defense requested no sentence to avoid hindering the defendant’s medical career. The differing accounts of consent form the central conflict in the case.
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John Q. Hosedrinker