Beto O'Rourke Confronts Texas Governor Abbott at School Shooting Press Conference

Beto O'Rourke Confronts TX Governor Greg Abbott During Press Conference on Uvalde

Beto O'Rourke Confronts , TX Governor Greg Abbott , During Press Conference on Uvalde. The confrontation occurred on May 25, one day after the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. O'Rourke approached the stage and challenged Gov. Greg Abbott's narrative on the violence. The time to stop the next shooting is right now and you are doing nothing. You said this is not predictable. This is totally predictable, Beto O'Rourke, via CNN. This is on you, until you choose to do something different, Beto O'Rourke, via CNN. This will continue to happen. Somebody needs to stand up for the children of this state or they will continue to be killed, just like they were killed in Uvalde yesterday, Beto O'Rourke, via CNN. Speaking to reporters after he was escorted out of the auditorium, O'Rourke continued to attack Abbott's stance. Five of the worst mass [shootings] in U.S. history, right here in this state in the last five years. He was governor for every single one of them, Beto O'Rourke, via CNN. Abbott referenced violence in other parts of the country as proof that gun laws are ineffective. People who think maybe we can implement tough gun laws and we can solve it — Chicago, New York and L.A. disprove that thesis, TX Gov. Greg Abbott, via CNN. Gun laws were a focus for O'Rourke during his attempt to clinch the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Hell yes, we're going to take your AR-15, your AK-47. We're not going to allow it to be used against our fellow Americans anymore, Beto O'Rourke, 2020 Democratic Debate, via CNN. As the Democratic candidate for TX governor, O'Rourke will face Abbott in the upcoming election. A campaign email to his supporters stated O'Rourke's position on Abbott's record concerning TX gun laws. These massacres are [...] totally predictable, direct consequences of the choices made by Greg Abbott and the majority of those in the Texas legislature, Beto O'Rourke, via CNN

Scene at Texas school where gunman killed children

An 18-year-old gunman opened fire Tuesday at a Texas elementary school, killing many children, one teacher and injuring others, Gov. Greg Abbott said, and the gunman was dead.

Texas Supreme Court Rules State Can Investigate Parents of Trans Kids

Texas Supreme Court Rules , State Can Investigate Parents of Trans Kids. The ruling by the Texas Supreme Court was handed down on May 13. It overrules the injunction of a lower court that disallowed state officials to investigate parents for child abuse who allow gender-affirming care for their trans kids. Republican TX Governor Greg Abbott had issued a directive on Feb. 22 that equated "sex change procedures" to "child abuse.". Furthermore, his office ordered the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)... ... to "investigate the parents of a child who is subjected to these abusive gender-transitioning procedures." . I hereby direct [DFPS] to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of any reported instances of these abusive procedures in the state of Texas, ACLU of Texas, via NPR News. The Texas Supreme Court's ruling was unanimous and surely to be contentious. While it overrules the injunction placed upon Abbott's order, . it also states that child welfare agencies are "not compelled" to follow the views of Abbott or his Attorney General, Ken Paxton. Just as the governor lacks authority to issue a binding 'directive' to DFPS, the court of appeals lacks authority to afford statewide relief to nonparties, Texas Supreme Court, via NPR News. In responding to the ruling, advocacy groups seemed to recognize the nuances of how the court responded. Denying healthcare to trans kids is life-threatening, ACLU of Texas, via NPR News. Multiple court rulings have now made clear that enforcement of this policy causes harm to youth and their families, ACLU of Texas, via NPR News. According to NPR, Gov. Abbott's order has caused some families who support their trans children to leave Texas

Supreme Court Allows Biden Administration To End Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' Policy

Supreme Court Allows , Biden Administration To End , Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' Policy. Supreme Court Allows , Biden Administration To End , Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' Policy. On June 30, the Supreme Court ruled that the Biden administration can repeal the Trump-era Migrant Protection Protocols. On June 30, the Supreme Court ruled that the Biden administration can repeal the Trump-era Migrant Protection Protocols. The "Remain in Mexico" policy forced migrants seeking asylum in the United States to stay in Mexico while awaiting hearings. The policy was put in place by the Trump administration to prevent migrants from being released into the U.S. while waiting for a decision from immigration. The policy was put in place by the Trump administration to prevent migrants from being released into the U.S. while waiting for a decision from immigration. The Biden administration's previous attempts to repeal the policy were blocked by a lower court. Fox News reports that the issue in question was whether the Department of Homeland Security's termination of the policy was a violation of federal law. . Texas and Missouri reportedly argued that without the ability to detain every migrant, it is necessary to send them back. Texas and Missouri reportedly argued that without the ability to detain every migrant, it is necessary to send them back. During oral arguments before the Supreme Court, U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar argued that the policy was not needed in order to comply with federal law. During oral arguments before the Supreme Court, U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar argued that the policy was not needed in order to comply with federal law. On this reading, every presidential administration in an unbroken line for the past quarter century has been in open violation of the [Immigration and Nationality Act]. If Congress wanted to mandate those results, it would have spoken clearly, Elizabeth Prelogar, U.S. Solicitor General, via Fox News. Justice Clarence Thomas echoed Preloger's stance during oral arguments. . Thomas reportedly questioned whether it was an "odd" decision for Congress to pass a law that the government was unable to follow. Thomas reportedly questioned whether it was an "odd" decision for Congress to pass a law that the government was unable to follow

Medieval Times Workers Looking to Form the Company's First Union

Medieval Times , Workers Looking to Form , the Company's First Union. Huffpost reports that employees of Medieval Times have launched a union campaign looking to improve compensation and safety. . According to workers, safety concerns are a big reason Medieval Times employees in Lydhurst, New Jersey are trying to form the chain's first union. Huffpost reports that the workers have been working with the American Guild of Variety Artists, a union representing performers at theaters, theme parks and touring shows. On July 15, knights, squires and stablehands will vote on whether or not to unionize. . The vote will be overseen by the National Labor Relations Board. According to Huffpost, Medieval Times has opposed the formation of a union by their employees. If the union is successfully formed in New Jersey, the campaign could spread to other Medieval Times locations throughout the country. Currently, the Texas-based chain operates nine locations around the U.S., and another location in Toronto, Canada. Workers claim that inadequate staffing amid a tight labor market has contributed to a number of safety concerns. . If you mix children, alcohol and animals, it can be a very interesting situation if you don’t have enough eyes on it. Not having enough event staff, that puts a lot of people at risk, Anonymous Medieval Times worker, via Huffpost. If you mix children, alcohol and animals, it can be a very interesting situation if you don’t have enough eyes on it. Not having enough event staff, that puts a lot of people at risk, Anonymous Medieval Times worker, via Huffpost

46 Dead Migrants Discovered in Truck Near U.S.-Mexico Border

46 Dead Migrants , Discovered in Truck , Near U.S.-Mexico Border . On June 27, the bodies of 46 dead migrants were discovered inside a tractor-trailer on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas. On June 27, the bodies of 46 dead migrants were discovered inside a tractor-trailer on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas. Reuters reports that it is one of the most deadly incidents of human smuggling in recent history along the U.S.-Mexico border. Reuters reports that it is one of the most deadly incidents of human smuggling in recent history along the U.S.-Mexico border. According to a San Antonio Fire Department official, the grim discovery was made next to railroad tracks in a remote area. According to a San Antonio Fire Department official, the grim discovery was made next to railroad tracks in a remote area. The official said that "stacks of bodies" were found in the trailer with no signs of water in the truck. According to the department, sixteen other people were found alive inside the trailer and were transported to hospitals to treat heat stroke and exhaustion. According to the department, sixteen other people were found alive inside the trailer and were transported to hospitals to treat heat stroke and exhaustion. The patients that we saw were hot to the touch, they were suffering from heat stroke, exhaustion. It was a refrigerated tractor-trailer but there was no visible working A/C unit on that rig, Charles Hood, San Antonio Fire Chief, via Reuters. On June 27, temperatures in San Antonio reached a high of 103 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Police Chief William McManus, the trailer was discovered after a person heard a cry for help and came to investigate. Reuters reports that the I-35 highway near where the truck was found is a popular smuggling corridor. . Jack Staton, a former senior official with ICE's investigative unit, said that migrants have regularly been intercepted in the area. . It was only a matter of time before a tragedy like this was going to happen again, Jack Staton,Former senior official with ICE's investigative unit, via Reuters

DeSantis' Law Barring Critical Race Theory To Take Effect in Florida

DeSantis' Law, Barring Critical Race Theory, To Take Effect in Florida. ABC News reports Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has seemingly succeeded in his efforts to quell race education in the state. The Stop WOKE Act will ban any training focused on diversity or race in education and the workplace. The act passed easily through the state's GOP-heavy legislature. Soon after, a federal judge declined to block it. The law will go into effect on July 1. Those in favor of the Stop WOKE Act are against the discipline of critical race theory in education. WOKE is an acronym for "Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees.". Critical race theory is the study of racism and how it has shaped the lives of non-white citizens of the United States. In recent memory, it has been a talking point for conservatives. As he signed the bill into law, DeSantis spoke of defending Florida from the woke agenda. In Florida, we will not let the far-left woke agenda take over our schools and workplaces. , Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, via ABC News

Louisiana Judge Temporarily Blocks Abortion Ban Following SCOTUS Ruling

Louisiana Judge , Temporarily Blocks Abortion Ban , Following SCOTUS Ruling. Reuters reports that on June 27, Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Robin Giarrusso temporarily blocked the GOP-led state from enforcing abortion ban laws. Louisiana's laws banning abortion were set to go into effect following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Louisiana's laws banning abortion were set to go into effect following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Judge Giarrusso issued the temporary restraining order after one of the state's three abortion clinics, Hope Medical Group for Women, sued. The clinic argues that the state's trigger law bans "lack constitutionally required safeguards to prevent arbitrary enforcement" and violate due process rights granted by the state's constitution. The clinic argues that the state's trigger law bans "lack constitutionally required safeguards to prevent arbitrary enforcement" and violate due process rights granted by the state's constitution. The clinic also contends that the vagueness surrounding the trigger bans has led to conflicting statements at local and state levels. A hearing has been scheduled for July 8. Reuters reports clinics in other states have taken similar measures. On June 25, Planned Parenthood sued over Utah's trigger ban. and abortion rights advocates in Ohio intend to challenge an abortion ban that took effect in the state on June 24.

Joe Biden's Approval Rating Continues To Plummet

Joe Biden's Approval Rating , Continues To Plummet. 'The Hill' reports that for the fourth consecutive week, President Joe Biden's approval rating trended downwards. A recent poll by Reuters-Ipsos found only 36% of respondents approve of the work Biden is doing as president. Since August, Biden's approval rating hasn't climbed above 50%. Indicative of the stark divide between the country's political parties, . 73% of Democrats surveyed said they approve of Biden's work. 7% of Republicans currently approve of the Biden administration. Only 18% of those surveyed think the country is heading in the right direction with Biden at the helm. Biden has faced challenges in his first term, such as an inflated economy and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Biden has faced challenges in his first term, such as an inflated economy and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Though many economists forecast an economy dipping into recession, Biden has said he doesn't believe recession is inevitable. First of all, it’s not inevitable. , President Joe Biden, in an interview with The Associated Press, via 'The Hill'. Secondly, we’re in a stronger position than any nation in the world to overcome this inflation. , President Joe Biden, in an interview with The Associated Press, via 'The Hill'

Elon Musk’s Kid Wants To Change Their Name To Cut Ties With Father

Elon Musk’s Kid , Wants To Change Their Name , To Cut Ties With Father. Reuters reports that Musk's transgender daughter has filed a request to change both her name and birth certificate. . Formerly Xavier Alexander Musk, the request has been issued to reflect her gender identity and to disassociate herself from her father. I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form, Elon Musk's daughter, via court documents, as reported by Reuters. Reuters reports that the court documents can be viewed via PlainSite.org. but her new name has been redacted. Her mother, Justine Wilson, divorced Musk in 2008. Details of the exact issues that have caused a rift between Musk and his daughter are unclear. Reuters reports that Musk touched on the topic of transgender people in 2020. I absolutely support trans, but all these pronouns are an esthetic nightmare, Elon Musk, via Twitter. Last month, Musk also revealed his support for the Republican Party which has adamantly fought to limit transgender rights throughout the country.

Elon Musk Expresses His Likely Support for Republican Ron DeSantis in 2024 Election

Elon Musk Expresses , His Likely Support for Republican, Ron DeSantis in 2024 Election. Business Insider reports that Elon Musk took to Twitter to say that he'll probably support Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2024 presidential election. Business Insider reports that Elon Musk took to Twitter to say that he'll probably support Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2024 presidential election. Early on June 15, Musk tweeted that it was still "tbd" (to be decided) whether or not he would support a Republican for president. . When asked who he was "leaning towards," Musk simply said, , "DeSantis.". When asked who he was "leaning towards," Musk simply said, , "DeSantis.". He added that while he supported Democrat Andrew Yang in the 2020 election, he believes that DeSantis "has a better chance of winning" the upcoming race. . He added that while he supported Democrat Andrew Yang in the 2020 election, he believes that DeSantis "has a better chance of winning" the upcoming race. . Last month, Musk described himself as a, "moderate, neither Republican nor Democrat.". He also pointed out that he had always voted for Democrats in the past but was considering voting Republican in the upcoming election. He also pointed out that he had always voted for Democrats in the past but was considering voting Republican in the upcoming election. Musk has since tweeted that he supported Republican Mayra Flores in a June 14 special election for the 34th congressional district of Texas. Musk has since tweeted that he supported Republican Mayra Flores in a June 14 special election for the 34th congressional district of Texas. Flores won the election against Democrat Daniel Sanchez. . DeSantis, a rising star within the Republican Party, is reportedly seen as competition for former President Donald Trump's bid to regain the presidency in 2024. DeSantis, a rising star within the Republican Party, is reportedly seen as competition for former President Donald Trump's bid to regain the presidency in 2024. According to Business Insider, DeSantis has not yet officially announced that he would run for president

US Supreme Court Rules on Campaign Loan Repayment Limits, a Victory for Sen. Ted Cruz

US Supreme Court Rules on , Campaign Loan Repayment Limits, , a Victory for Sen. Ted Cruz. NBC News reports the United States Supreme Court ... ... nixed federal restrictions on political candidates who self-finance their campaigns. The ruling is a win for Senator Ted Cruz, the Republican from Texas who challenged the restrictions. Ruling 6-3, the court says the law, enacted in 2002, was a direct violation of a candidate's free expression. The U.S. Supreme Court said as money buys candidates the ability to spread their message. limiting a candidate's expenses implicates the First Amendment. According to NBC News, Cruz self-financed $260,000 for his re-election campaign in 2018. The senator went above financial campaign limits to trigger a Supreme Court response. US Chief Justice John Roberts said such limits on self-financing increased the risk that candidates wouldn't be repaid if they loaned their campaigns too much. That risk in turn may deter some candidates from loaning money to their campaigns when they otherwise would, reducing the amount of political speech, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court's majority, via NBC News