Monday, Sept. 15
Conservatives move to punish critics of Charlie Kirk, following assassination
Following the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, some conservatives are arguing for the cancellation of those who critique him and his legacy. Elected officials, as well as those on the right, are taking steps towards punishing these individuals, the Associated Press said.
President Donald Trump has been outspoken regarding the idea, stating his political opponents are being investigated. In Tennessee, an assistant dean at Middle Tennessee State University, and professors at Austin Peay State University and Cumberland University all had their jobs called to end by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, due to comments deemed disrespectful and lacking sympathy, the AP reported.
Many are criticizing these efforts, the AP said, stating the First Amendment right to free speech covers comments made against Kirk.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
U.S. military strikes Venezuelan boat allegedly carrying drugs
According to Trump, the U.S. military targeted and killed three individuals on a boat coming from Venezuela that was allegedly carrying drugs Sept. 15, the AP reported.
The attack follows another recent strike on a speedboat that occurred two weeks prior, killing 11. The mission by the Trump administration is aimed at limiting the smuggling of illegal narcotics into the country, according to AP. Trump has indicated potential plans to expand these efforts to include targeting on-land drug smugglers.
Some Democrats have argued these strikes are an overreach of executive power and are pushing for a resolution that would require authorization by Congress to engage in further attacks, the AP said.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Justice Department suing Oregon, Maine over voter data
The U.S. Justice Department said it began a lawsuit against Oregon and Maine after the states failed to submit voter registration lists, the AP reported.
The lawsuit follows a wide-ranging effort by the Trump administration to collect and analyze voter registration information from at least 19 states across the country, according to AP.
Secretaries of State from Oregon and Maine are arguing the demand is a violation of their citizens' right to privacy, the AP said. The Justice Department is justifying its actions by signaling its need to ensure election officials are abiding by federal laws.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Trump plans to categorize anti-fascists as a terrorist group
Trump stated his plans to designate antifa as a “major terrorist organization” Thursday. Antifa, a shorthand for anti-fascist, is a term used to categorize a far-left-wing political movement aimed at fighting against fascism and neo-nazis, the AP said.
The movement is a decentralized group composed of multiple organizations and people, and is not currently a contender for the State Department’s list of foreign terror organizations, according to AP.
Trump announced this plan via social media, with many questioning how the administration could categorize a decentralized movement as a terrorist group.
Friday, Sept. 19
Suspension of Kimmel displays Trump’s power over U.S. media
According to the AP, Trump has utilized his executive power to shape media across the country to his liking. Trump has engaged in threats, lawsuits and government pressure to effectively control the narrative.
A recent demonstration of these efforts came when late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel was suspended from his talk show on ABC after pressure from the Trump administration. Trump justified this after Kimmel made comments about Charlie Kirk following his assassination, the AP reported.
The effort is an example of Trump utilizing the Federal Communications Commission to restrict what coverage U.S. media can engage in, the AP said.
Sunday, Sept. 21
California bill bans law enforcement’s use of masks during official operations
California passed a bill that bans most law enforcement officers from covering their faces during official operations Saturday, the AP reported.
The ban includes immigration officers and is a result of recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, AP said. The raids were conducted by federal agents who covered their faces with masks while arresting large groups of people.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated the bill is important in protecting the rights of immigrants, arguing masked agents without identification are a violation of their rights. The federal government is pushing back against the restriction, arguing officers will face scrutiny and danger if they are forced to show their faces while engaging in federal arrests.
Acting U.S. attorney for Southern California, Bill Essayli, commented on the bill, stating California has no jurisdiction over the federal government and officers will continue to utilize face coverings.
