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Colorado Supreme Court Disqualifies Trump from State Primary, Sparks Potential Supreme Court Showdown

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Colorado Supreme Court Disqualifies Trump from State Primary, Sparks Potential Supreme Court Showdown

In a historic move, the Colorado Supreme Court, comprised entirely of justices appointed by Democratic governors, ruled on Tuesday that former President Donald Trump is ineligible for the White House under the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause. This decision marks the first instance in history where Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has been invoked to disqualify a presidential candidate, setting the stage for a potential legal showdown in the nation’s highest court.

The 4-3 decision overturned a previous ruling by a district court judge, who acknowledged Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack but deemed it unclear whether the provision was intended to cover presidential candidacy.

Key Points:

  1. The 4-3 decision was handed down by the Colorado Supreme Court, whose justices were appointed by Democratic governors.
  2. This is the first time in history that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has been utilized to disqualify a presidential candidate.
  3. Trump’s legal team has vowed to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, making it the final arbiter on the matter.

The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision has temporarily stayed its impact until January 4 or until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the case. Colorado officials emphasize the urgency of settling the matter by January 5, the deadline for the state to finalize its presidential primary ballots.

“We do not reach these conclusions lightly,” stated the court’s majority. “We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.”

Trump’s legal representatives swiftly announced their intention to appeal any disqualification to the U.S. Supreme Court, which holds ultimate authority on constitutional matters. Alina Habba, Trump’s legal spokeswoman, condemned the ruling, asserting, “This ruling, issued by the Colorado Supreme Court, attacks the very heart of this nation’s democracy. It will not stand, and we trust that the Supreme Court will reverse this unconstitutional order.”

Despite not needing Colorado to secure victory in the 2024 presidential election, Trump faces the risk that other states may follow Colorado’s lead, potentially excluding him from crucial battlegrounds. The Republican National Committee chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, denounced the decision as “Election interference” and pledged the RNC’s legal team’s support in challenging the ruling.

Houston-area High School Athletes Declare Future Plans During Early Signing Period

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Houston-area High School Athletes Declare Future Plans During Early Signing Period

The spotlight is on the brightest talents in high school sports as the three-day early signing period kicks off this Wednesday, culminating on Friday. In this pivotal moment, student-athletes from the region are set to formalize their commitments to play for renowned institutions across the country.

Among these standouts is Jelani Watkins from Atascocita High School, whose dual prowess in football and track has earned him a coveted spot at Louisiana State University. Watkins, a two-star talent, plans to showcase his skills in both sports for the Tigers.

Teammates Braylon Conley and Nate Kibble of Atascocita High School have also made their decisions. Conley is set to commit to the University of Southern California, while Kibble will stay in Texas, donning burnt orange as he joins the University of Texas.

In Fort Bend ISD, the spotlight is on Hightower High School’s Zion Kearney, a four-star wide receiver, who will officially pledge to play for the Oklahoma Sooners. Kearney, who received 30 offers, ultimately chose the path to Norman. Ephraim Dotson, his teammate, is destined to become a Rice Owl.

The national stage features Willis’ standout quarterback, DJ Lagway, named the National Player of the Year by MaxPreps. Lagway, ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in the country, is expected to sign with the University of Florida.

Manvel High School sees commitments from Mason Flemming and Kaleb Blanton, with the latter set to join Rice University.

Lamar High School’s Tristen Brown is heading to Vanderbilt, while Christopher Boykins is bound for Old Dominion University.

All eyes are on the University of Texas, securing talents like Jordan Washington from Langham Creek and Trey Owens from Cy-Fair High School. Owens’ commitment is so prominent that he graces a billboard along I-10 in Brookshire. UT stands out as one of the top programs in the 2024 recruiting classes.

While the Longhorns focus on bolstering their roster for the future, they also have their sights set on the College Football Playoff Championship in Houston this January.

However, the University of Texas isn’t the only institution attracting top-tier talent. The University of Houston has been actively announcing their incoming players, including Kaleb Thomas from North Shore High School and Rayquan Bell from Westfield, who stays true to his hometown by committing to the Coogs.

The early signing period, instituted in December 2017, allows these athletes to make their commitments official. National Signing Day remains on the first Wednesday in February, and for the class of 2024, it is slated for February 7. College football coaches commenced meetings with high school prospects on December 1, marking the beginning of a 15-day recruiting window.

Chick-fil-A could soon open on Sundays in some locations

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Chick-fil-A could soon open on Sundays in some locations

The famously “closed on Sundays” chicken sandwich fast-food chain could soon be required to fire up the fryers and serve hungry travelers in some locations.

The New York State Assembly has put forth a new bill, known as the Rest Stop Restaurant Act, that would require food and beverage companies contracted to provide services along the Thruway and at the Port Authority in New York and New Jersey to stay open seven days a week.

Applegreen, an Irish convenience store chain with a portfolio of companies including Chick-fil-A, took over the leases of all Thruway Authority service areas in 2021. To date, Chick-fil-A has opened at seven Thruway service areas. The fast-food chain currently operates 2,988 restaurants across 48 states.

“While there is nothing objectionable about a fast food restaurant closing on a particular day of the week, service areas dedicated to travelers is an inappropriate location for such a restaurant,” the bill states, in part. “Publicly owned service areas should use their space to maximally benefit the public. Allowing for retail space to go unused one seventh of the week or more is a disservice and unnecessary inconvenience to travelers who rely on these service areas.”

The only exception from the seven-day-a-week operations mandate in the new legislation is for “temporary concessions such as farmers markets or local vendors.”

Chick-fil-A did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.

One of the bill’s sponsors, Assemblyman Tony Simone, spoke to ABC News Albany affiliate WTEN about the importance of ensuring that New York State’s transportation facilities offer reliable food services.

“You know, we get hungry when we’re traveling. We may not like our brother-in-law or sister-in-law’s cooking and wanna get a snack on Christmas Eve,” Simone said. “To find one of the restaurants closed on the thruway is just not in the public good.”

WTEN also reports that a Thruway official who also spoke with them said that, regarding the bill, “all 27 service areas that were a part of the $450 million project were built with no toll or tax dollars and that Chick-fil-A already signed a 33-year contract with the Thruway.”

Simone clarified that “the Thruways are meant to serve New York travelers first,” adding that he thinks it’s “ridiculous” that a food provider would be “able to close on Sunday – one of the busiest travel days of the week.”

Simone and the other bill sponsors are currently seeking co-sponsors to help pass the legislation during the current assembly session in Albany.

Chick-fil-A could soon open on Sundays in some locations originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

El spin-off de McDonald’s, CosMc’s, abre sus puertas a los clientes

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El spin-off de McDonald’s, CosMc’s, abre sus puertas a los clientes

McDonald’s ha abierto las puertas de su nuevo restaurante drive-thru con bebidas y delicias personalizables. El primer restaurante CosMc’s abrió el jueves en Bolingbrook, Illinois, cerca de Chicago. Pronto se abrirán otros en Texas. (vídeo : Channel 2)

Texas State Board of Education Restricts Access to Explicit Books in Public School Libraries

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Texas State Board of Education Restricts Access to Explicit Books in Public School Libraries

In a controversial move, the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) has approved new rules that prohibit public school libraries from purchasing or displaying books deemed “sexually explicit.” These rules, based on House Bill 900, were passed by the Texas Legislature in May and aim to increase transparency for parents while preventing students from accessing inappropriate materials at school, according to Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, who introduced the bill.

The SBOE approved the standards with a 13-1 vote during its December 13 meeting. Under these rules, schools are prohibited from offering materials classified as “harmful,” “sexually explicit,” or “pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable” in libraries, classrooms, or online.

Books cannot be removed solely based on the “ideas contained in the material” or the background of the author and characters, according to the bill. Book vendors must now issue ratings designating materials as “sexually explicit” or “sexually relevant” before selling them to school districts.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is tasked with adopting these standards by January 1. Subsequently, book vendors have until April 1 to review and rate their products.

The move is part of a broader conservative effort to increase parental involvement in their children’s education. Governor Greg Abbott, who signed HB 900 into law in June, emphasized the need for parents to be informed about the books available in school libraries. Abbott stated, “Some school libraries have books with sexually explicit and vulgar materials. I’m signing a law that gets that trash out of our schools.”

However, the READER Act, as it is commonly known, faced legal challenges from book vendors and associations, arguing that it is overly broad and infringes on protected speech. Critics claim the act grants the government unchecked licensing authority to dictate book content in public schools.

In September, a U.S. district judge temporarily halted the implementation of HB 900, citing its “unconstitutionally vague” nature. The state promptly appealed the ruling, and the case is currently pending before a federal appeals court.

Despite the legal challenges, Rep. Jared Patterson praised the SBOE for approving the standards, stating that the legislation, born out of concerns from parents, has evolved into the first-ever mandatory library collection development standards. Patterson emphasized the role of parents as the “primary decision-makers” in determining the materials their students can access.

In response to the legal action, book vendors expressed concerns that the law could lead to a recall of numerous books in K-12 public schools, additional bans, and the establishment of an unconstitutional statewide book licensing regime.

PEN America, a free speech nonprofit, reported that 12 Texas school districts removed 625 books from their shelves between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. This figure does not account for individual titles removed, as some districts pulled the same books multiple times.

Texas Resident Claims Sighting of Black Panther Near Home, Sparks Wildlife Debate

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Texas Resident Claims Sighting of Black Panther Near Home, Sparks Wildlife Debate

Over the weekend, a Walker County resident, Jerel Hall, captured a photograph that he believes to be a black panther near his home in Huntsville, Texas. The large, black wild cat was reportedly spotted lurking on Hall’s property, situated about 70 miles north of Houston. The photo, taken from a distance of 120-150 yards, depicts a dark-colored feline larger than a typical house cat, featuring a distinctive long tail.

Hall estimates the cat’s weight to be between 80-100 pounds and shares that this isn’t his first encounter with such a creature in the area. He claims to have witnessed a black panther, albeit smaller, chasing feral hogs nine years ago. Hall expressed gratitude for capturing the recent sighting on camera, dispelling what he refers to as a previously mythical experience.

However, wildlife experts offer a different perspective. According to the National Wildlife Federation, black panthers are not a distinct species but are rather melanistic leopards or jaguars. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has been alerted to Hall’s photograph and is working to identify the animal. Contrary to popular belief, the TPWD asserts that black panthers do not exist in North America, clarifying that terms like cougars, pumas, and panthers are often used interchangeably for mountain lions.

Despite expert opinions, Hall’s claim aligns with previous sightings of “black panthers” in Texas, particularly in Central Texas. Notably, in 2021, comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan insisted on a black panther sighting outside his Austin home, sparking debates on the existence of such creatures in the Lone Star State.

Local reports suggest an alternative explanation, proposing that these mysterious felines might be jaguarundis. These endangered felines, slightly larger than domestic cats, are found in northern Mexico and central and South America. Weighing between 8-16 pounds, jaguarundis are typically rusty-brown or charcoal gray in color.

The species faces endangerment due to habitat loss caused by the clearing of dense brush for farming and urban development. TPWD notes that jaguarundis are considered extinct in Texas, with the last confirmed sighting recorded in Brownsville in 1986. The ongoing debate surrounding these sightings underscores the complexity of wildlife identification and the challenges associated with distinguishing between elusive species in the Texas wilderness.

Vatican Approves Blessings for Same-Sex Couples in Landmark Ruling

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Vatican Approves Blessings for Same-Sex Couples in Landmark Ruling

In a historic decision approved by Pope Francis, the Vatican announced on Monday that Roman Catholic priests can now administer blessings to same-sex couples, marking a significant departure from its earlier stance. The ruling, outlined in an eight-page document titled “On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings,” asserts that such blessings can be granted on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing that they should not be part of regular Church rituals or liturgies.

The Vatican’s doctrinal office, led by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, clarified that the blessings for same-sex couples would not legitimize irregular situations but serve as a sign that God welcomes all. The document explicitly states that these blessings should not be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage.

While the Catholic Church maintains its teachings that same-sex attraction is not sinful but deems homosexual acts as such, the recent decision reflects Pope Francis’s ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community within the Church without altering established moral doctrine.

The document specifies that priests should exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis, allowing the Church to be supportive in situations where individuals seek God’s help through a simple blessing. The ruling acknowledges the deep desire among Catholic same-sex couples for God’s presence in their relationships.

Father James Martin, a prominent American Jesuit priest and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, praised the decision as “a major step forward in the church’s ministry.” Martin expressed his intent to bless same-sex unions, emphasizing the document’s recognition of the profound desire for God’s presence in such relationships.

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, a group advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within the Church, described the document’s importance as significant. He applauded the wording that discourages subjecting those seeking blessings to exhaustive moral analysis.

However, the ruling is expected to face opposition from conservatives within the Church, echoing criticisms voiced when Pope Francis initially addressed the subject in October. Professor Ulrich L. Lehner of the University of Notre Dame expressed concerns that the new guidance could lead to misunderstanding and sow confusion, potentially inviting schismatic tendencies among bishops.

The document, titled “Fiducia Supplicans” (Supplicating Trust) in Latin, emphasizes that the form of the blessing should not be fixed ritually to avoid confusion with the Sacrament of Marriage. It encourages the enrichment, healing, and elevation of true, good, and humanly valid aspects of lives and relationships through the presence of the Holy Spirit. The ruling underlines that blessings should not be linked to civil marriage ceremonies and outlines appropriate contexts for their administration.

Historic Border Security Legislation: Governor Abbott Signs $1.54 Billion Funding for Texas Wall Construction

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Border Signing Image

In a momentous ceremony at the Texas border wall in Brownsville, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a comprehensive package of border security legislation, marking a pivotal step in Texas’ commitment to fortify its southern border. The transformative measures, passed during Special Session #3 and Special Session #4 of the 88th Texas Legislature, aim to intensify efforts against human smuggling, curb illegal border crossings, and safeguard the lives and property of Texans. The laws allocate funds for the ongoing construction of the state’s border wall.

Governor Abbott emphasized the urgency of these laws, citing a surge in illegal entries following policy changes by the Biden Administration. The three new laws, he stated, would address the void left by the elimination of key Trump-era policies and fortify Texas against the challenges posed by illegal immigration.

“Today, I will sign three laws to better protect Texas—and America—from President Biden’s border neglect. These laws will help stop the tidal wave of illegal entry into Texas, add additional funding to build more border wall, and crackdown on human smuggling,” Governor Abbott stated during the signing ceremony.

At the event, Governor Abbott was joined by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) President Brandon Judd, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, and several state legislators including Senators Pete Flores, Joan Huffman, and Charles Perry, as well as Representatives Ryan Guillen, Jacey Jetton, David Spiller, Mano DeAyala, Stan Kitzman, and Janie Lopez.

Lieutenant Governor Patrick underscored the significance of securing the southern border, emphasizing Texas’ commitment to filling the void left by federal inaction. President Biden’s policies, Patrick argued, necessitated Texas taking a proactive stance to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration.

NBPC President Brandon Judd expressed gratitude for Governor Abbott’s leadership, recognizing the importance of the rule of law in ensuring the safety of all Americans. General Suelzer highlighted the Texas National Guard’s engagement in border security, acknowledging Governor Abbott’s efforts to equip them adequately.

Border Czar Mike Banks commended the Governor for his commitment to defending Texas, particularly in the face of federal negligence. Operation Lone Star, under Governor Abbott’s leadership, has deployed tactical infrastructure to create deterrence along the Texas-Mexico border.

Overview of the Laws:

Senate Bill 4 from Special Session #3 (Flores/Guillen): Creates a mandatory ten-year minimum prison sentence for smuggling persons and continuous smuggling. Enhances criminal penalties for stash house operations, including a mandatory five-year minimum prison sentence. Further enhances penalties for victim-related offenses during smuggling.

Senate Bill 3 from Special Session #4 (Huffman/Jetton): Appropriates $1.54 billion in general revenue for border security operations and the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure.

Senate Bill 4 from Special Session #4 (Perry/Spiller): Creates a criminal offense for illegal entry into Texas from a foreign nation. Addresses repeated attempts with the offense of illegal reentry, penalizing offenders with up to 20 years in prison. Provides civil immunity and indemnification for government officials and contractors enforcing these provisions.

Governor Abbott’s latest actions build upon the six border security laws enacted in June during the 88th Regular Legislative Session, reinforcing Texas’ commitment to combating the unprecedented challenges posed by illegal immigration, weapons trafficking, and drug smuggling from Mexico.

Harris County Launches “Uplift Harris” Guaranteed Income Program to Provide Financial Relief to Low-Income Residents

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Harris County Launches “Uplift Harris” Guaranteed Income Program to Provide Financial Relief to Low-Income Residents

Harris County is gearing up to roll out its groundbreaking guaranteed income initiative, “Uplift Harris,” designed to offer financial support to low-income families. Set to open its application portal in the coming weeks, this pilot program, approved by Harris County Commissioners in June, is made possible through $20.5 million in American Rescue Plan Funds, positioning the state’s largest county as the trailblazer in Texas for such initiatives.

What is Uplift Harris?

Uplift Harris stands as a direct cash assistance program committed to providing $500 per month for 18 months to approximately 1,928 eligible residents. The program aims to alleviate financial strains related to essential needs such as rent, groceries, transportation, housing, utilities, and healthcare. Comparable programs have been implemented in locations like Cook County in Chicago and Los Angeles County.

Who’s Eligible?

The pilot program is strategically targeting the most economically vulnerable areas in the county, including Forest Acres, Acres Homes, South Park, East Six Jensen, Sunnyside, Northgate, Greater Fifth Ward, Settegast, Gulfton, and Galena Park. Identified as priority zones by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the program will extend assistance to households residing 200 percent below the federal poverty line.

According to federal poverty guidelines, this threshold translates to $29,160 per individual, with eligibility extending to a family of four earning a maximum income of $60,000. Applicants must be 18 or older, and the program welcomes submissions from residents in the Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self-Sufficiency Harris County.

How to Apply

The Uplift Harris program portal is scheduled to open on January 8 and close on January 26, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Interested applicants can submit an online interest form until January. The application process requires residents to provide personal information, including life experiences, and submit contact details for application updates. A government-issued ID, date of birth, and additional documentation, such as a clear selfie, are mandatory. Only one person per household can apply.

Program Commencement

Following the application period, selected applicants can expect notifications in mid-February. Payments of $500 will commence via direct deposit or prepaid reloadable debit cards, with the first installment anticipated in March or April 2024. The Harris County Public Health Department will oversee program management, with GiveDirectly and AidKit facilitating fund distribution. A third-party administrator will evaluate participants’ progress.

Usage Guidelines

Uplift Harris participants enjoy flexibility in using the funds for their specific needs, including basic household necessities. However, certain restrictions prohibit the funds from being used for criminal or illegal activities, supporting terrorism-related entities, or jeopardizing community safety and security. Notably, the monthly payments are tax-exempt and qualify as charitable gifts under IRS regulations.

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences Secures $12 Million Federal Funding for Expansion to Tackle Case Backlogs

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Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences Secures $12 Million Federal Funding for Expansion to Tackle Case Backlogs

In a significant development, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is set to receive a substantial boost of $12 million in federal funding, aimed at facilitating its expansion efforts. Dr. Luis Arturo Sanchez, Chief Medical Examiner of the Institute, emphasized the critical need for this expansion, citing a backlog of criminal cases requiring DNA testing as the primary impetus.

The expansion project, estimated to cost a total of $20 million, is poised to address the longstanding issue of delayed DNA testing in criminal cases. Dr. Sanchez highlighted that the additional space will play a pivotal role in enhancing the institute’s capacity, expanding services, and delivering timely information to law enforcement and the courts.

Forensic DNA analyst Mario Galioto shed light on the severity of the backlog issue, noting that peak backlogs were observed in 2016. Galioto revealed current turnaround times for sexual assault cases at 81 days and for homicides and death investigations at 96 days. The institute primarily focuses on cases involving sexual assaults, homicides, and death investigations, followed by assaults and robberies.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis attributed the persistent backlogs to a confluence of factors, including Hurricane Harvey and pandemic-related disruptions. Ellis underscored the adverse impact of these delays on the justice system, stating that the backlog impedes the delivery of swift justice, adversely affecting victims and individuals awaiting their day in court.

The federal funding, earmarked for expansion and improvement initiatives, will be utilized to upgrade DNA systems for evidence intake and firearms identification. Congressman Al Green emphasized that the backlogs extend beyond the justice system, affecting funeral homes due to prolonged preservation requirements for deceased persons.

Earlier this year, the county received $1.8 million to incentivize current and contract workers to address the backlogs. County officials have already initiated the first phase of renovations, with an anticipated completion date by the end of 2025. The infusion of federal funds is expected to significantly bolster the capacity and efficiency of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, addressing the persistent challenges posed by case backlogs and contributing to a more streamlined and effective criminal justice system.

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