My apologies for the longer cycle than intended this go-round, folks – Passover really snuck up on me, and the Seder took precedence last Monday. Thankfully, we appear to have passed over the worst types of news this cycle as well. So I suppose it all evens out!
Standard standing reminders still apply: I may be starting my eighth year of journalism, but I summarize news within my areas of expertise. NNR summaries often contain some detailed analysis that’s outside my expertise–I’m a lawyer, not a noncompete clause!–but all offroad adventures are marked with an asterisk. And, of course, for the things that are within my lane, I’m offering context that shouldn’t be considered legal advice. Okay, I think that’s about it for the disclaimers. Onward to the news!
Cleanup in Aisle 45:
The theme of the Election Et Cetera stories this cycle is definitely Trump Court Cases. Here’s what has happened since last time:
- 45 Court Cases. This cycle marked the beginning of the first criminal trial against Trump, which is the hush money case being brought in New York. It’s going about as well for him as you might expect – his request to delay was denied, and a great deal of detail is coming to light about his illegal catch-and-release process during the 2016 campaign. He also tried and failed to dismiss the Georgia and classified document criminal cases against him. The Presidential immunity case, which SCOTUS heard oral arguments on this cycle, appeared to go better for him – or at least, it appears likely to delay several other cases. Meanwhile, Arizona and Michigan both named him an unindicted conspirator in elector interference cases; Arizona’s new indictments bring the total number of states charging Trump allies with election interference to six.
In contrast, the Capitol Hill Dales more-or-less run the gamut. Here’s what I have for you:
- Capitol Hill Highlights. Capital Hill was fairly functional this cycle, as a bill package that funded Ukraine and Israel while potentially banning Tiktok managed to make it through both houses and onto Biden’s desk. The Biden administration also forgave more student debt and proposed a plan to close the “gun show” loophole in background check requirements. Meanwhile, the Senate dismissed the House’s nonsense impeachment of U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
Your New Normal:
- Health News Roundup. A lot of health news happened this cycle. The Biden administration clarified some points regarding HIPAA protections, attempting to deter illegal subpoenas of medical records like the ones issued in Tennessee earlier this year. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a case about whether emergency rooms are required to perform life-saving abortions under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. In a fascinating separation of powers tug-of-war, Arizona both reinstated a Civil War era abortion ban and began the process of de-reinstating it. And finally, the Biden administration admitted that it has more-or-less given up on the FDA menthol cigarette ban it’s supposed to be finalizing.
The Bad:
- Encampments on College Campuses. An “ovation” of protest encampments on college campuses which began on Columbia’s campus has spread from coast to coast this cycle, with protests on 40 campuses and counting as I type this. The encampments at this point have resulted in remote classes, canceled commencements, student suspensions, and over 600 arrests of both Jewish and Muslim participants. Several outlets are reporting both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic violence as tensions escalate, as well as excessive police force from squads in riot gear in several places. Needless to say, this is a complicated situation, but many colleges seem to be badly mismanaging it.
The Good:
- Recent Market Resilience. The Federal Trade Commission agreed by 3-2 vote this cycle to ban noncompete agreements, noting that these contracts stifle innovation, suppress wage growth, and prevent new business formation. It’s very likely that this rule will be challenged in court, but it’s still a really encouraging decision.
So that’s what I have for you, and I’m sure next cycle will be worse. For still reading these roundups, you deserve this gay icon and a more functional government. I’ll be back next time with more restructured and improved news, and I hope you will be back as well–but in the meantime, feel free to ping the National News Roundup ask box, which is there for your constructive comments. Send me questions! Send me feedback! Send me fortitude to make it to the end of this holiday!
National News Roundup 