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Accident – Death – Obituary News : Supreme Court opinion conferring broad immunity could embolden Trump as he seeks to return to power
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a historic Supreme Court opinion, former President Donald Trump was afforded broad immunity, sparking concerns about the potential consequences and emboldening Trump as he eyes a return to power.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her dissent, raised alarming scenarios such as a president pocketing a bribe for a pardon or staging a military coup to retain power, all while being protected from prosecution. The 6-3 opinion ensures that presidents have significant leeway to carry out official acts without fear of criminal charges, setting a precedent that could shape future presidential actions.
With Trump openly expressing his desire to engage in boundary-obliterating conduct similar to his time in office, the opinion could serve as a green light for presidents to push the limits of their power. Princeton University professor Julian Zelizer noted that the ruling will likely broaden the scope of permissible actions by presidents, providing cover for potentially questionable acts.
Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion did not dismiss the case charging Trump with plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential race, but it established that presidents enjoy absolute immunity for core constitutional duties and presumption of immunity for other official acts.
As Trump positions himself as the presumptive Republican nominee and faces growing calls for his return to the White House, the Supreme Court opinion could serve as a shield against legal challenges and investigations, allowing him to pursue his political ambitions with greater confidence.
In other news:
Biden plans public events blitz as White House pushes back on pressure to leave the race
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is ramping up his public appearances and engagements in response to mounting pressure for him to step aside in the 2024 race following a lackluster debate performance against Republican Donald Trump. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden has no intention of bowing out and attributed his debate performance to a temporary setback.
Despite growing anxiety among donors and lawmakers about Biden’s electability, the president remains steadfast in his commitment to continue his campaign. Democratic leaders are expressing concerns about his ability to win in November, prompting calls for a more aggressive strategy to address his debate shortcomings and reassure supporters.
Judge’s order greatly expands where Biden can’t enforce a new rule protecting LGBTQ+ students
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge in Kansas has blocked enforcement of a rule expanding anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ students in four states and other areas, dealing a blow to the Biden administration’s efforts to safeguard LGBTQ+ rights. The ruling, the third against the rule in recent weeks, applies in Alaska, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as a middle school in Oklahoma.
The Biden administration’s rule, set to take effect under the Title IX civil rights law, aims to prevent sex discrimination in education. The judge’s order will remain in effect pending further legal proceedings, but the states and groups challenging the rule are likely to prevail.
Taiwan says China told Taiwan’s coast guard to not interfere in the detention of Taiwanese boat crew
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan has accused China of ordering its coast guard to prevent interference in the detention of a Taiwanese fishing boat, escalating tensions between the two countries. The fishing boat was seized by Chinese agents off the coast of the island of Kinmen and taken to a port in Fujian province.
Despite Taiwan’s calls for the release of the boat and its crew, China has refused to engage with Taiwan’s government, complicating efforts to resolve the situation. The incident reflects China’s increasing assertiveness in asserting its territorial claims and challenging Taiwanese sovereignty.
Strike kills family as Israeli evacuation order sparks panicked flight from southern Gaza city
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A tragic airstrike in Deir al-Balah has claimed the lives of nine members of the Hamdan family and three others, including women and children, after they fled their home in Khan Younis following an Israeli evacuation order. The order, which affected around 250,000 people in the city, has triggered a mass exodus of Palestinians seeking safety amid escalating violence.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has forced residents to repeatedly flee their homes, only to face further peril as they seek refuge in designated safe zones. The recent airstrike underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Beryl heads toward Jamaica as a major hurricane after ripping through southeastern Caribbean
[No additional information provided].
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