The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, has allowed the Trump administration to use racial profiling in its immigration raids, overturning an injunction against targeting Latinos. Justice Sotomayor dissented, warning of the unconstitutional implications and potential for violence against Latinos, including U.S. citizens. This decision, made without explanation, impacts the “Operation at Large” in Los Angeles, which targeted individuals based on their ethnicity, language, and work, thereby violating Fourth Amendment protections. The court’s silence and Kavanaugh’s misrepresentation of the situation highlights the far-reaching consequences for those affected by these raids.
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On Sunday, law enforcement removed the White House peace vigil, a protest that had been in place for over four decades, following President Trump’s order to clear homeless encampments. Officials justified the removal by mislabeling the vigil as a shelter, despite it being protected by the First Amendment. The White House confirmed the removal, citing it as a hazard to visitors and part of the administration’s federal takeover of policing in the city. The vigil, established in 1981 to promote nuclear disarmament, is considered the longest continuous anti-war protest in U.S. history.
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Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie strongly criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a debate, suggesting his tenure under President Trump might be short-lived. Christie called Kennedy “foolish” following a Senate hearing where Kennedy faced scrutiny over his stance on vaccines and handling of public health matters. While Trump seemed unbothered, Christie believes the President knows Kennedy doesn’t belong in the role and will eventually fire him. Conversely, former Trump Chief of Staff Reince Priebus defended Kennedy, stating he saw him as “decent” and “caring,” leading to a heated exchange with Christie on the matter.
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US could be forced to refund ‘about half’ of tariffs if SCOTUS rules against Trump, Bessent says, and the implications are rather complex, to put it mildly. The prospect of potentially having to give back a substantial portion of the tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, in the event of an unfavorable Supreme Court ruling, raises a lot of questions, and understandably sparks a range of reactions.
The initial gut reaction is often a mixture of frustration and cynicism, especially regarding the fate of the refunds. The common sentiment seems to be that the companies, not the everyday consumers who ultimately bore the cost through increased prices, would likely be the beneficiaries.… Continue reading
Thousands of protestors rallied in Washington, D.C. Saturday against the Trump administration’s crime crackdown, organized by the Free DC Project. The demonstration, titled “We Are All DC: A National March,” aimed to end the administration’s perceived occupation of the city. This protest followed a lawsuit filed by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb challenging the legality of National Guard patrols, which have been extended through November. Despite protestors’ claims, crime rates, while previously low, have continued to decrease since the federal enforcement surge, and the federal takeover of the D.C. police force is set to expire without Congressional action.
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A recent U.S. military strike on a boat in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, has sparked controversy and raised concerns regarding its legality. High-ranking officials and legal experts have deemed the attack a potential violation of international law, citing the lack of legal justification for using military force against civilians, even if they are suspected of criminal activity. The Trump administration’s actions, including designating certain groups as “narcoterrorists” and firing top military lawyers, have been seen as paving the way for such actions. Despite claims of self-defense and defense of national interests, critics argue that the strike lacked proper authorization and could escalate conflicts in the region.
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The Trump administration has reversed a Biden-era plan that would have mandated airlines to compensate passengers for flight cancellations and delays caused by the carrier, including cash payments, lodging, and meals. This proposed rule aimed to align U.S. policy with European consumer protections, but the Trump administration deemed it wasteful and burdensome. Airlines for America supported the decision, while carriers like Spirit Airlines voiced concerns about increased operating costs and potential ticket price hikes. The original proposal would have required compensation based on the length of the delay, including up to $775 for delays of nine hours or more.
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The Trump administration is considering increasing restrictions on several delegations attending the upcoming U.N. meeting, including those from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and potentially Brazil. These restrictions may severely limit their travel outside New York City and even bar them from shopping at wholesale stores without express permission from the State Department. These measures follow the denial of visas for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation. Simultaneously, the administration has granted a waiver to Syria, easing its travel limitations. The State Department has yet to comment on the potential restrictions.
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The U.S. military’s recent attack on a vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, is reminiscent of historical events used to justify interventionism in Latin America. The Trump administration claimed the operation targeted narco-trafficking, but provided ambiguous evidence, echoing the 1898 explosion of the USS Maine that led to the Spanish-American War. This action is viewed as a strategic move to project American strength, particularly in relation to Venezuela, and is supported by figures like Marco Rubio, who is seen as pushing the narrative. Critics argue this continues a pattern of using the “war on drugs” as a pretext for intervention, potentially destabilizing the region and targeting Latino communities in the U.S.
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During a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. placed blame for America’s high COVID-19 death rate on the CDC, omitting the fact that the pandemic occurred during the Trump administration. Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, criticized the agency’s leadership and policies, despite widespread criticism of his own changes to vaccine recommendations and personnel. He faced sharp questioning from both Republican and Democratic senators, who challenged his knowledge of COVID-19 data and his actions regarding vaccine access and authorization. The hearing highlighted controversies surrounding Kennedy’s leadership and his controversial views on vaccine safety.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood