Supreme Court Rules in Labor, Travel Ban Cases

The Supreme Court issued two rulings this past week that delighted many conservatives and angered as many liberals. In the first case, the Supreme Court ruled that public sector unions could no longer involuntarily collect fees from non-union members for their bargaining services. Labor unions argued that these fees prevented free-riding from non-union members, as unions must represent all employees equally in their bargaining, not just their own members. At the heart of this case were the political activities of unions, which overwhelmingly support and donate to Democratic candidates, with which many public employees took issue. The ruling this week will likely mean less money in union coffers and thus less funding for political activities.

The second case dealt with Trump’s travel ban on people from several countries, most of them Muslim-majority. The Supreme Court argued in their decision that the President had the power to ban certain nationalities to protect national security, while the dissenting justices argued that the ban stemmed from prejudice given Trump’s campaign promise to ban Muslim immigration.

Roseanne Barr’s Tweet Causes Cancellation

The return of Roseanne to television saw big ratings, but the show could not survive the statements of its star. Barr’s tweet, which said that Valerie Jarrett, a former Obama adviser, seemed like the result of the Muslim Brotherhood and an ape mixing together, caused ABC to cancel the show. Barr has apologized for the remark, claiming the sleep drug Ambien caused her to make the statement (the maker of the drug denies such effects).

Barr, a strong supporter of President Trump, has said she may fight to keep the show on air. Trump did not defend her statement, but tweeted that ABC owes him an apology for what he views as negative coverage of his administration. Trump had earlier praised Barr for the success of her show.

Harvey Weinstein Indicted on Rape, Assault Charges

Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday on sexual assault charges. He was freed after posting a $1 million bail.

Weinstein was a major figure in Hollywood when multiple women came forth to accuse the executive of sexual harassment and assault over the years. Weinstein was removed from the company he founded with his brother, Bob, and has been stripped of his membership in the Academy. These charges in New York are the first to be pressed, with other charges possible, though some may be difficult to prove given the time that has elapsed between now and when the alleged actions took place.

US-North Korea Summit Still on Schedule, For Now

The summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Km Jung Un is still scheduled to occur on June 12, though whether it will occur is still a matter of debate. Dealings with the reclusive, repressive regime have been historically fraught with deceit and broken promises, most notably promises to not develop nuclear weapons.

The meeting was previously canceled by Trump earlier this month after North Korean threats to cancel the meeting and the absence of North Korean diplomats from preparation meetings. However, a secret meeting between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in helped to decrease tension between the two countries after North Korea criticized joint US-South Korean military drills (a reason it gave for why it may cancel the meeting). Trump backtracked, saying that the summit, to be held in Singapore, may still happen. US diplomats have continued to make preparations for the summit. However, the unpredictable nature of the North Korean government, as well as the personalities involved in the summit, could once again prevent it from occurring.

At the heart of the issue is the North Korean nuclear program which has been in development for over a decade. North Korea has missiles which can reach far beyond its own borders, threatening US allies such as Japan and South Korea as well as the US itself. President Trump was involved in a diplomatic spat with the North, calling Kim “rocket man” and saying the US nuclear arsenal was far superior than Kim’s. North Korea replied by calling Trump a “dotard.”

Bill Cosby Convicted on Sexual Assault Charges

Comedian and actor Bill Cosby was convicted last week of aggravated indecent assault, stemming from a 2004 case involving a woman, Andrea Constand, who went public with her allegations. She alleged that Cosby drugged her drink and proceeded to grope her. Cosby admitted to drugging women’s drinks in a 2005 deposition, but disputed the specific charges by Constand.

The jury found Cosby guilty on all three counts, which means the 80 year old, now nearly blind, could spend the rest of his life in prison if each sentence is served consecutively, with each carrying a maximum 10 year penalty. It  is still unclear if Cosby will serve the maximum and whether he will serve them consecutively or concurrently.

Korean Détente? Two Countries Could Achieve Some Form of Peace

In a series of unlikely events, the two Korean leaders talked peacefully and publicly, something that has not occurred since the Korean War in the 1950s. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in met at the border between the two countries on Friday, with Kim stepping into South Korea. The two leaders also announced their commitment to denuclearize the peninsula as well as formally ending the Korean War, which ended de facto in 1953. This comes after Kim’s announcement that the North will stop its missile testing.

These announcements also come after President Donald Trump announced earlier this year that he plans to meet with Kim, in which, if carried out, will make Trump the first sitting US president to meet with a North Korean leader. The meeting is currently scheduled to take place sometime next month or in early June.

The prospect for even the peace talks just a few months ago would have been almost unimaginable given the North’s increased frequency of missile tests and the bellicose rhetoric between Kim and Trump, in which the former called the latter a “dotard” and the latter called the former “rocket man.” For now, the insults have stopped, but the prospect of lasting peace is far from certain.

North Korea still possesses nuclear capability and the North may not truly be committed to denuclearization, which it promises only to proceed with if the US does not invade. Trump has implied that military action will not be off the table if the North does not move forward with eventual denuclearization.

Britain, Russia Face Diplomatic Spat over Attempted Killing

The United Kingdom and Russia are engaged in a diplomatic brawl after an attempted killing of a ex-spy, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter with a nerve agent. The former spy is a Russian who defected to the UK sometime prior, was poisoned on British soil on March the nerve agent, believed to have been manufactured in Russia. The niece of the poisoned man has said that both only have a slim chance of surviving, which would make the attempted killing an actual killing.

In response, Britain expelled  23 Russian diplomats from the country earlier this month. In addition, other countries have condemned the action and expelled Russian diplomats, including the United States, which is closing the Russian mission in Seattle.

Russia has responded, announcing that it will expel 50 British diplomats and diplomatic staff from the country, as well as diplomats from other countries. This comes as Russia has faced global criticism for its foreign policy, increasingly domestic authoritarianism, and its meddling in foreign elections.

Trump White House Faces Turnovers, Continuing Controversies

The Trump White House has continued to suffer staff turnover this month, with the secretary of state, secretary of veteran’s affairs, and national security adviser all fired this month. More strikingly, the announcements were made official, especially in the case of State Secretary Rex Tillerson, through tweets from the President himself.

None of the staff changes were completely unexpected. Tillerson and Trump had long had a rocky relationship, especially since Tillerson reportedly called Trump a “moron,” a charge Tillerson never completely denied. Both had disagreed over certain foreign policy issues, such as North Korea, publicly and often contradicted each other. Trump has nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo to succeed Tillerson.

VA Secretary David Shulkin, who faced criticism over his handling of the VA (much like his predecessors in the Obama administration, in which Shulkin served as deputy VA secretary), will be replaced (if confirmed) presidential physician Ronny Jackson.

National Security Adviser HR McMaster will also be leaving the Trump administration; he will be replaced by John Bolton, who served under George W. Bush as US ambassador to the UN. Bolton has remained an active figure in conservative circles, appearing at conferences and delivering commentary on Fox News. Bolton, known for his hawkish foreign policy views, does not require Senate confirmation.

Trump is also facing controversy over alleged payouts by his personal attorney to conceal an affair with pornographic actress Stephanie Clifford (professional name Stormy Daniels) . The affair allegedly occurred in 2006, when Trump had already married Melania. Trump has denied any affair took place.

Winter Olympics End, US Fails to Impress as Politics Took Center Stage

The 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea ended n Sunday, following two weeks of sporting events. Norway emerged the strongest nation, winning in both number of gold medals won (14) and total medals won (39). The US came in fourth in both categories, with 9 gold and 23 total. While the American performance was the worst in recent Winter Olympics, the women’s ice hockey team defeated Canada to win the first gold for the US in the sport since 1998.

Politics laid a cloud over this year’s games as well. While the North Korean and South Korean teams marched under a united flag at the opening ceremonies, as well as competed together in women’s ice hockey, tensions remain as North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, continues his nuclear weapons program and testing of rockets. His sister, Kim Yo-jung, made an appearance at the opening ceremony and stood near US Vice President Mike Pence. Some American media outlets were criticized for the positive coverage they gave her given her position as propaganda director for the brutal regime.

With Billy Graham’s Death, Many Remember His Legacy

Graham in 1966

The Reverend Billy Graham, who preached before hundreds of thousands in persona during his ministry, as well as to hundreds of millions more through broadcast feeds, died last week on February 21 as the age 99. Graham was born on November 7, 1918 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and began his ministry in the 1940s. He began to be noted for his massive crusades, preaching around the worlds in tents and stadiums, often accompanied by the singer George Beverley Shea, who, by virtue of singing at Graham’s crusades, sang to more people live than any other person in history. Shea died in 2013 at 104.

Graham, who was known for trying to avoid the political battles that other preachers, such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, fought, nonetheless was known for his close relationships with many US presidents, having met every president from Truman to Trump (though he met with Trump in 2013 before he became president). He was known especially for his close relationship with Richard Nixon, a bond which would land him in controversy years later once tapes were revealed of conversations between the two in which Graham said derogatory comments about Jews and their control on the media. Graham had since profusely apologized for his remarks to Jewish leaders.

Graham’s health began to fail in the mid 2000s, preaching his last crusade in New York in 2005, his first being in 1947. Graham continued to make limited appearances, speaking with President Obama in 2010 and attending his 95th birthday party in 2013. Graham had been steadily losing his vision and hearing in the years prior to his death.

Graham was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, who died in 2007. His son Franklin Graham has long been the head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Organization and, unlike his father, has taken a more active role in the political arena and is known as a close ally of President Trump.

Graham’s funeral will take place in Charlotte on Friday. Billy Graham has been lying in the Capitol Rotunda, the first to do so since the late Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI) in 2012 and an honor often reserved for only the most honorable Americans, especially in the case of private citizens.

Bombing in Kabul Kills 103, Injures 235 More

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, on January 27, which killed 103 and injured 235 more. The bomb, hidden in an ambulance, was one of the deadliest in recent Afghan history.

The attack comes as the Taliban terrorists are growing their reach in the country. The Taliban has an active presence in 70% of the country, according to a new BBC study, with outright control in 4%. As recently as October 2017, the Taliban only had a major presence in 44%. The Taliban’s struggle comes as the United States has ramped up its efforts to dislodge the group from influence in the country.

Trump’s State of the Union Lays Out New Goals for White House

President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union as President on Tuesday, in which he laid out various proposals going forward along with touting what he views as the successes of his Presidency so far.

In the speech, Trump laid out a number of plans for the next year, most notably plans for massive infrastructure spending and immigration reform. With respect to infrastructure spending, Trump called for a $1.5 billion package which would work to build new and repair existing roads and bridges across the United States. The bill’s high cost would be paid through a combination of federal grants, state grants, and private partnerships.

In the way of immigration reform, Trump called for an end to “chain migration,” in which immigrants can work to bring their extended families to the United States. Trump’s proposal calls for such privileges to be limited to immediate family members. In addition, Trump’s plan calls for a path for citizenship, over twelve years, for the so-called “Dreamers,” who were children when their parents brought them to the US illegally. With this, Trump made clear that border security would need to be assured, most notably through his plan for a wall, at least in part.

Trump also praised the Republican tax bill passed late last year, saying it will increase the disposable income of millions of Americans and stimulate economic growth.

Trump May Push Infrastructure Plan After Tax Bill Win

The Trump administration is signaling that it may be willing to tackle an infrastructure plan following its success in pushing forward its tax plan this month. Moves for increases in infrastructure spending, unlike the GOP attempts at tax reform, have been supported by several Democrats and may have a chance to receive bipartisan support.

Trump may announce his plans for infrastructure in his upcoming State of the Union speech in 2018.

The infrastructure plan may cost upwards of $1 trillion, but will not all come out the federal treasury. A portion will be paid by the federal government, while state and local governments, along with private companies and investors, will also contribute to the projects laid out in any plan.

Increases in infrastructure spending have long been the goal of numerous politicians, Republicans and Democrats alike, with projects including new roads, bridges, terminals, etc. However, concerns over increases to the national debt (already an issue with the recently passed tax bill) could pose an issue, especially with Republicans.

Republicans Pass Tax Law, What It Means for Americans

Republicans passed the first major overhaul to the United States tax code in over thirty years this month, with President Donald Trump saying the plan will “deliver more jobs, higher wages, and massive tax relief for American families and for American companies.”

The plan was pushed by Republican leaders after the GOP Congress wanted to deliver a major piece of legislation before the year’s end, and thus deliver Trump a legislative achievement in his first year, and to pass it while they still held a 52-48 majority in the Senate after they lost a seat as a result of the Alabama special election.

The new law reduces  the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, moving the rate from among the highest in the developed world to more in line with the tax rates of other countries. In addition, it shaves off the tax rate across the board while keeping the seven tax brackets. These cuts to the individual tax rates, unlike the corporate tax rate cut, is temporary and will expire in 2025.

It also caps deductions for local and state taxes at $10,000, which can lead to higher taxes for those living in highly taxed states, such as New York, California, and Illinois.

The bill was unanimously opposed by Democrats in both houses of Congress and was opposed by a number of Republicans in the House who came from highly taxed states.

The new tax cuts are projected to add more than $1 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, accounting for lost revenues stemming from the lower rates but also possible increased revenue as businesses and individuals have more money to invest, thus increasing economic activity.

Fire in Bronx Kills 12, Worst in New York City in a Decade

A fire in an apartment complex in the Bronx killed 12 people after it broke out on Thursday night, injuring even more. The fire is the worst to break out in New York City since 2007, in which a fire, also in the Bronx, resulted from an overheated space heater cord killed 10.

The fire Thursday night is believed to have been caused by a child playing with a stove and causing a fire. The child escaped with his mother, but the fire soon spread across the apartment complex. Firefighters had difficulty fighting it as the cold weather had frozen the water for their hoses.

Zimbabwe Strongman Robert Mugabe Ousted

Longtime president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe resigned his position on November 21, ending his 37 year long hold on power on the African country. Mugabe had ruled the country since its transition from the white supremacist Rhodesia, which had declared its independence from Britain during the African decolonization period, and Mugabe was active in the struggle against the Rhodesian government.

Mugabe, who at 93 was the oldest head of state at his resignation, was at one time hailed as a leader of African nationalist politics for his role in establishing Zimbabwe. However, his management of the nation’s politics and economy led to massive corruption, economic decline, and hyperinflation. His land reform efforts, which took away land holdings from all white citizens and gave it to black citizens, many of whom had little farming experience, caused the nation to experience food shortages. However, his fatal error was his attempt to establish his wife, Grace, as his successor. Her unpopularity gave the military the needed support to stage a coup and lead to his former right hand man, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to succeed him.

Five Hundred Years Since Martin Luther's 95 Theses

Tuesday marks the 500th year anniversary of Martin Luther writing his Ninety Five Theses, which often cited as the starting point for the Protestant Reformation. Luther is believed to have posted his piece to the door of the All Saints' Church in Wittenberg, Germany, where public displays were usually posted.

Copy of Luther's original 95 Theses

The Protestant Reformation threw the Western Christian world into tumult for centuries afterwards, as the Roman Catholic Church worked to respond to the movement and rise of new denominations, and the Protestant churches found both opposition and support among various monarchs in Europe (one of the most notable cases, King Henry VIII of England transitioned from Catholicism to Anglicanism after the pope would not approve a divorce from his first wife).