Period 2: Gansastan Government, The Student Scoop by Stephanie Ganser https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9 Article of Newscasters en-us 2017-08-21 01:05:07 UTC 2026-01-18 08:21:24 UTC hello@padlet.com Instructions 3 pts – Title of Article or News Story, which government branch is involved and the names of all of the newscasters on your team. Each newscaster should make their own individual post on padlet. 7 pts- The facts (summarize what happened – who, what, where, when, why) 1 pt- provide your opinion or positon or comment on the news 1 pt - The news source (proper citation and link) 1 pt You can refer to an index card (nothing else); you can not bring up an article. You cannot show a video. You may show a photograph or picture if you have a hard copy of it. 4 pts cohesive, proper delivery, professional, eye contact, tone of voice (be loud enough) 3 pt- 6 to 7 minutes sganser https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/181790187 2017-08-21 01:26:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/181790187 Health Care Vote: Senate Rejects Repeal Without Replace (Kenna Corley) mbcorley https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184188803 Who: Senate, Blue Cross Blue Shield and people all over America who supported Obamacare
What: Some people wanted to stay with Obamacare even though Trump was now our president, while others did not.
When: July 26, 2017
Where: Congregational Budget Office and Legislative House of Representatives.
Why: There need to be either a compromise made or decision letting people know if they are able to stay with Obamacare of they need to choose another legit, legal option.
The vote for starting a law to better support Affordable Care act was rejected by the Senators in the Legislative Branch on July 26, 2017. The New York Times says, "Senate Republican leaders may have no choice but to fall back on a third choice: Push a far more limited measure that repeals parts of the Affordable Care Act, such as its mandate that most people have insurance and a tax on medical devices, but leaves most of President Barack Obama’s signature health law in place." On Tuesday the Senators brought forward a plan to replace the Affordable Care Act. Senator Ted Cruz made it agreement to lower yearly insurance costs for people, as long as a plan is offered that covers essential services. The Senate does not have enough votes at first. On this Wednesday, Donald Trump publicly blames Ms. Murkowski for letting our country down. This was shown as very childish and not how something should be handled, especially in this level of government and power. Senators end up removing Affordable Heath Care, but it is not immediately replaced. One solution taken into consideration is to come to an agreement or compromise for those who need health care. My opinion on this is that people who choose and rely on Obamacare should have an option to stay with it or something similar, and people who do not agree with it should have other options.
-Kenna, Olivia & Traig ]]> 2017-09-01 13:02:11 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184188803 Religious Freedom in the Bakery: The Judicial Branch ojzigmond https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184188954 Who:The U.S. Supreme Court recently
What: a Denver baker refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple based on his religious beliefs.
When: Last Monday the first court meeting was held
Where: Colorado
Why: The court ruled against the baker, but now has to decide whether to use Colorado's anti-discrimination law to require him to make the couple a cake, or if that constitutionally violates the baker's religious beliefs.
I believe that the baker should be allowed to exercise his religious rights, but I think it is very petty of him not to bake the cake. He would be getting the same business from the gay couple as a man and woman couple ordering a cake.
-Olivia, Traig, & Kenna]]> 2017-09-01 13:02:53 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184188954 Al Qaeda working with Iran; The Executive Branch tpmcphail https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189027 Who: Al Qaeda affiliate, Somalian government, and Iranians
What: An Al Qaeda affiliate seized control of uranium mines in Africa.
When: August 11, 2017 up until now September 1, 2017
Where: Somalia, Africa
Why: The Al Qaeda affiliates are taking the uranium mines under control, and giving the uranium to the Iranian government so that they can use it for nuclear missiles. The Somalian government is in need of help from the U.S. government to strop the Al Qaeda affiliates. With the new resources going to the Iranians, this imposed a large threat towards the U.S.
-Traig, Kenna, and Olivia

Citation:
“Al Qaeda affiliate mining uranium to send to Iran, Somali official warns US ambassador.” Fox News, FOX News Network, www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/08/31/al-qaeda-affiliate-mining-uranium-to-send-to-iran-somali-official-warns-us-ambassador.html. Accessed 31 Aug. 2017.

]]> 2017-09-01 13:03:09 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189027 tpmcphail https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189418 2017-09-01 13:04:53 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189418 Animals Have a Voice: The Judicial Branch ojzigmond https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189595 Who: The Connecticut court system
What: a law allowing people to represent abused animals in court.
When: The law was passed in 2016
Where: Connecticut
Why: Many animal abusers get away with their crimes without any prosecution from the court simply because their cases are not taken as seriously as human cases. One reason that Connecticut passed this law is because animal abuse can also lead to domestic abuse.
I believe it is necessary for animal cruelty crimes to be taken seriously. By doing so, animals and humans will be safer. Though it will take time, animal cruelty will soon be treated as a serious crime from the Judiciary Branch as a whole.
-Olivia, Traig, & Kenna

_{Citation: Rojas, Rick. “Abused Dogs and Cats Now Have a (Human) Voice in Connecticut Courts.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 27 Aug. 2017,}

]]> 2017-09-01 13:05:35 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189595 Citation: Fox News’ Bill Mears and The Associated Press. “Supreme Court to Hear Case of Baker's Refusal to Make Wedding Cake for Gay Couple.” Fox News, FOX News Network, 26 June 2017 ojzigmond https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189751 2017-09-01 13:06:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189751 ojzigmond https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189752 2017-09-01 13:06:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189752 ojzigmond https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189754 ^{Citation: Fox News’ Bill Mears and The Associated Press. “Supreme Court to Hear Case of Baker's Refusal to Make Wedding Cake for Gay Couple.”}^{Fox News}^{, FOX News Network, 26 June 2017}]]> 2017-09-01 13:06:13 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189754 Religious Freedom in the Bakery ojzigmond https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189841 ^{Citation: Fox News’ Bill Mears and The Associated Press. “Supreme Court to Hear Case of Baker's Refusal to Make Wedding Cake for Gay Couple.”}^{Fox News}^{, FOX News Network, 26 June 2017}]]> 2017-09-01 13:06:34 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/184189841 House set to approve $8 billion in aid for hurricane Harvey recovery. (Brooke Boggs, Julia, eden) https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/185173324 Who: The house of representatives
What: A vote was held on Wednesday to decide we will provide $8 billion dollars in disaster aid in response to Hurricane Harvey.
Where: The capitol building in Washington D.C. The money will go to People in Texas.
Why: Hurricane Harvey caused a lot of damage to many parts of Texas. Many citizens lost houses, property, schools, and work buildings. Many people in Texas did not have flood insurance for their homes because they did not expect to get hit by such a drastic storm. The Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, has voiced support for a speedy vote to approve the disaster aid so it can get fixed faster. Many people in the house are wanting to approve this because they want people to get help quickly. Some of the representatives are worried about were the money will go and what it will be used for. Some think it is a bad idea because we are already in debt. The voting will be held Wednesday. I think that we should give the money to Texas. Many have lost everything from property to loved ones. It is not fair to those in need to just be blown off because we are in debt. If I were in it I would vote for it because as a nation it says we should protect our people.

Kaplan, Thomas. “Deal Is Set to Tie Debt Limit to Harvey Relief, Trump Says.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 6 Sept. 2017. ]]> 2017-09-06 15:32:48 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/185173324 Hundreds Take Advantage of Executive Branch Parental Leave (Julia McNamee) https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/185250635 Who: The Missouri state government
What: Governor Eric Greitens signed an order that gives members of the executive branch the benefit of parental leave to give parents of newborns and newly adopted children time to bond .
Where: The state of Missouri
When: August 28, 2017
Why: The Governor felt that the state employees needed to be able to spend time with their new children.
Opinion: The executive order is a great idea, and it won't be costing the government any more money because there will not be any temporary employees hired to replace the ones on leave.
-Julia, Brooke, Eden

“Hundreds Take Advantage of Executive Branch Parental Leave.” US News, 28 Aug. 2017, www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2017-08-28/hundreds-take-advantage-of-paid-parental-leave-in-missouri.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2017-08-28/hundreds-take-advantage-of-paid-parental-leave-in-missouri ]]> 2017-09-06 17:55:09 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/185250635 Retiring Boldly: Judge, 70, Leaves Bench to Serve as Paramedic. (Eden James Brooke Boggs Julia McNamee) https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/185315765 Who: Don Bush, a retired U.S. magistrate judge from Texas.
What: Don Bush decided that after he retired, he wanted to be an EMT paramedic. He completed a paramedic course at night, while still hearing cases during the day.
Where: Eastern District of Texas
Why: Bush felt that it would be interesting to assist his son in Haiti as a paramedic. He said, “My son does a lot of medical trips to Haiti. About the time I began to think of retiring, I thought it’d be interesting to go down and do that with him. So I started aiming to become an EMT, and after that I went through the paramedic program. I was blessed to be able to get the training.” Bush is compassionate and and wants to help the people that need it. I think that what Bush did was really great, because even after he could have just retired and lived a comfortable life on his Judge's salary, he decided to get another job and spend his time helping other people.

Citations: Administrative Office of the U.S. courts. "Retiring Boldly: Judge, 70, Leaves Bench to Serve as Paramedic"

Judiciary News - United States Courts

Published onAugust 24, 2017
http://www.uscourts.gov/news/2017/08/24/retiring-boldly-judge-70-leaves-bench-serve-paramedic

]]> 2017-09-06 20:50:15 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/185315765 Trump blocks Chinese purchase of U.S. company for national security reasons (Nick, Julian, Jacob) nddemas https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/187393263 Who: Donald Trump, Chinese venture capital fund and U.S. semiconductor company.
What: Donald Trump is prohibiting the acquisition of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation by China Venture Capital Fund Corporation Limited
Where: The White House and China Venture Capital Fund.
When: September 13, 2017.
Why: Trump ordered the issue after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States recommended it. White House officials were concerned about the potential transfer of intellectual property to CVCF, Beijing’s role in supporting the transaction and the importance of the semiconductor supply chain and Lattice products in particular by the U.S. government. The U.S. is afraid of Chinese military aid using the computer chips produced by the company. This is not only time that foreign trade with China has been tense.
My opinion is that this is smart decision because the U.S. can utilize such parts, sell the parts to promote economics if needed, and to strengthen our own military.

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/13/trump-china-national-security-242676

]]> 2017-09-14 01:08:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/187393263 Supreme Court Lets Trump Bar Refugees in Boost for Travel ban: Judicial Branch (Nick, Julian, Jacob) jkmueller https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/187401926 Who: The supreme court
What: The U.S Supreme Court reinforced President Donald Trumps travel ban saying he can bar thousands of refugees from entering the country while the justices prepare to hear a broader challenge to the policy. There is a scheduled hearing on Trump's travel order which imposed a 90 day ban on people entering the United States from six mostly Muslim counties and a 120 day ban on refugees.
Where: United States (Hawaii)
When: September 12, 2017
Why: Its because of President Donald Trump's ban, saying he can ban thousands of refugees from entering the country.
My opinion is while painful to some, history has proven the security and welfare of millions of United States citizens are at stake. A ban will likely prevent that next group of terrorists or threats to harm the country and its people.

Stohr, Greg. "Supreme Court Lets Trump Bar Refugees in Boost for Travel Ban." Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg, 12 Sept. 2017. Web. 13 Sept. 2017.

]]> 2017-09-14 02:04:01 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/187401926 Trump’s Support for Law to Protect ‘Dreamers’ Lifts Its Chances (Nick, Julian, Jacob) (Legislative Branch) https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/187797196 Who: Donald Trump and Democratic leaders
What: They are making a deal with congress to make a safer and more effective border system for immigrant children. Trump uses the term "dreamers" to explain how they can be very influential in our society. Also Republican leaders are supportive of this idea and it seems all americans both in congress and citizens are for this idea.
When: September 14th, 2017
Why: This would be a good idea because children are not at fault for the decisions of their parents. They should have a better chance at life and also better rights so that they may have an equal chance to all other growing children living in the United States.
My opinion: I think it is a great idea, because it allows children to have an equal chance to others so that they can grow in a better and more acceptable environment so that they may learn everything they need to grow into a man or woman.

Sullivan, Eileen. “Trump Confirms Support for Law to Protect ‘Dreamers’.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 14 Sept. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/09/14/us/politics/trump-daca-dreamers.html. Accessed 14 Sept. 2017.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/14/us/politics/trump-daca-dreamers.html]]> 2017-09-15 01:43:05 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/187797196 Trump Travel Ban Expires Sunday; new Restrictions expected (Luke, Gabe, Anthony) ltetchison https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/190557578 Who: Donald Trump and Dept. of Homeland Security
What: Donald Trump's travel ban expires today after 90 days of being in effect and on Sunday September 24, 2017, Trump is expected to announce new restrictions. The current travel ban bars are from Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Officials have said that they have been working for a while on new rules and restrictions for Trump's travel ban.
Where: United States of America
When: September 24, 2017
Why: Donald Trump's Travel ban has expired after it's 90 days of being in affect so Trump is expected to make an announcement on the new regulations and rules for his updated travel ban. One reason that Trump will have stricter rules for his new travel ban is because last week, there was a partially exploded bomb at a London subway and Trump has called for a tougher travel ban.
My Opinion: I feel that Trump's tougher rules and regulations on his travel ban is a great idea. Because of this Travel ban, it keeps the people in our country much safer from outside threats from other countries.
“Trump Travel Ban Expires Sunday; New Restrictions Expected.” Fox News, FOX News Network, www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/24/trump-travel-ban-expires-sunday-new-restrictions-expected.html.]]> 2017-09-24 13:43:22 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/190557578 Stephen Curry Responds To Trump's Tweet: "It's not what leaders do." (Luke, Gabe, Anthony) ltetchison https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/190560442 Who: Donald Trump Stephen Curry
What: Stephen Curry has hesitated the invitation to the White House for winning the NBA championship so Donald Trump rejected the invitation.
Where: United Stated of America
When: September 23, 2017
Why: The reason that Donald Trump withdrew the invitation for the Golden State Warriors to Come to the White house is because Steph Curry hesitated on accepting the invitation. Steph Curry responded that what Trump is "not what leaders should do"
My Opinion: I feel that the withdrawn invitation is good because there is no reason that the winners of the NBA finals should be going if they do not respect the President and leader of our country.
Neuharth-Keusch, AJ. “Stephen Curry Responds to Trump's Tweet: 'It's Not What Leaders Do'.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 23 Sept. 2017, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/09/23/stephen-curry-responds-trumps-tweet-its-not-what-leaders-do/696950001/.]]> 2017-09-24 14:03:57 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/190560442 Senate to pass $700 Billion Defense Policy Bill (Luke, Gabe, Anthony) gkcuffel https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/190641534 Who: The Senate
What: The Senate passed a $700 billion defense policy bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act by an 89-9 vote.
Where: Capitol Hill
When: September 18, 2017
Why: This National Defense Authorization Act was passed mainly in response to rising threats from North Korea along with the need for more funding to update equipment and allow the military more resources to protect the country
My opinion: In my opinion I believe that this is a good act to pass because national security is one of the most important things a country needs and currently our country needed more funding to be able to respond to threats from North Korea and protect our people.
Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. “Senate Passes $700 Billion Pentagon Bill, More Money Than Trump Sought.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 18 Sept. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/09/18/us/politics/senate-pentagon-spending-bill.html?mcubz=0.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/18/us/politics/senate-pentagon-spending-bill.html?mcubz=0]]> 2017-09-25 00:33:08 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/190641534 Planned Parenthood asks Supreme Court to intervene in effort to expand abortion access in Missouri (Luke, Gabe, Anthony) -Anthony Vaiana, Judicial Branch https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/190654878 Who: Planned Parenthood and The U.S. Supreme Court
What: Planned Parenthood is asking the Supreme Court to nullify a lower court's decision that stopped the organization's growth in Missouri.
Where: Missouri
When: September 22, 2017
Why: Planned Parenthood believes it has the right to expand to other cities in Missouri because they think that women shouldn't be burdened with getting an abortion at a far away clinic.
My Opinion: As someone who is pro-life, I am of course against any expansion on Planned Parenthood, and i feel that if getting an abortion is a tedious process that would include a longer trip to a clinic, women would be less inclined to get an abortion.
Standard-Examiner. “Planned Parenthood Asks Supreme Court to Intervene in Effort to Expand Abortion Access in Missouri.” Standard-Examiner, 24 Sept. 2017, www.standard.net/Government/2017/09/24/Planned-Parenthood-asks-Supreme-Court-to-intervene-in-effort-to-expand-abortion-access-in-Missouri-1.

]]> 2017-09-25 02:30:39 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/190654878 Breaking: The US is not at war with North Korea (Abby, Sophia, and Anna: Executive Branch) https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/191856487 Who: President Trump

What: North Korea says that the US has declared war upon them.

Where: via twitter

When: Monday September 25

Why: Trump tweets out, “won’t be around much longer” in regards to North Korea’s government. Which causes North Korea foreign minister Ri to say, “Since the United States declared war on our country, we will have every right to make all self-defensive counter measures, including the right to shoot down the United States strategic bombers at any time even when they are not yet inside the aerospace border of our country."

Opinion: My opinion on this is I am glad that the US made a professional statement saying that we won’t be going to war with North Korea. As a citizen, it can be confusing as to what to believe because there are tons of gossip and personal opinions mixed whenever it comes to politics. I think that we will probably end up going to war with North Korea but I am glad to hear that the war did not start over a twitter post. I think that Korea’s response to Trump's tweet was harsh and taking one phrase way too far.

Wolf, Z. Byron. “Breaking: The US Is Not at War with North Korea.” CNN, Cable News Network, 25 Sept. 2017, www.cnn.com/2017/09/25/politics/are-we-at-war-with-north-korea/index.html.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/25/politics/are-we-at-war-with-north-korea/index.html

]]> 2017-09-27 19:43:52 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/191856487 Anthony Weiner scandals: From politics to sexting cases (Sophia, Abby, and Anna; Judicial Branch) https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/191865426 Who: Manhattan Federal Court and Anthony Weiner
What: Anthony Weiner is a former New York Democratic congressman. He was sentenced to 21 months in prison after sending sexually explicit messages to an under-age girl (15 yrs-old).
Where: New York City, New York
When: September 25, 2017
Why: Since 2011, there were hints of a huge scandal brewing. In 2011, Anthony Weiner (married), who was a known Congressman got caught in his first sex scandal which he later confessed to doing, and resigned from Congress for treatment. From there, when he was running for mayor of New York in 2013 he got caught in a sexting scandal. His reputation became further damaged and he lost the mayoral election. In 2016, another sexting situation was revealed and an investigation was opened. It lead to the FBI finding out he had been sexting a minor and he was brought to court. In court of May 2017 he was sentenced to 21-27 months in prison. But recently, in September the case was brought up again when his lawyers and now ex-wife asked that he be spared from federal prison through letters, although they know he needs to face the consequences. They even began to blame the minor involved, saying she was aiming to disrupt last year's election as Weiner's former wife had worked for Hilary Clinton.
My Opinion: I believe that Anthony Weiner deserves to be sentenced to federal prison. He is a responsible adult and knows that sexting a minor in any situation is wrong. Even if he didn't seek the teenager out, he still went through with sexting her knowing her age. There is no excuse for what he did especially because at the time, he had a wife and young son. He betrayed their trust with his multiple sex scandals and the peoples' trust as one scandal occurred while he was running for mayor. He truly does need help and counseling to ensure this doesn't happen again.

Lam, Katherine. “Anthony Weiner Scandals: From Politics to Sexting Cases.” Fox News, 25 Sept. 2017, www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/25/anthony-weiner-scandals-from-politics-to-sexting-cases.html.

]]> 2017-09-27 20:08:00 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/191865426 Give Cancer Patients a Break on Student Loans (Anna, Sophia, and Abby; Legislative Branch) https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/191878011 Who: Congress
What: Congress is trying to pass the Deferment for Active Cancer Treatment Act.
Where: Capitol Hill
When: September 22, 2017
Why: leana Ros-Lehtinen, Republican of Florida, and Ed Perlmutter, Democrat of Colorado, introduced this act involving cancer patients . Many cancer patients have to pay a lot for just their treatment, and then more on top of that if they are a student as well. With all of these expenses all coming in at the same time, taking out loans helps, but there it does not give people enough time to pay everything off. This act also has been extended to those who are deployed in the military. It allows people, especially cancer patients, to get an extension on paying their loans. They would be given six more months once their treatment is complete to pay off loans.
Opinion: I believe that this is a good act to have in place. Around 70,000 Americans ranging from ages 15 to 39 get diagnosed with cancer each year, and this number is only increasing, unfortunately. Those people not only have to struggle with paying for their treatments, but also paying for their loans and schooling. Even though this may seem as though it may not benefit many people, I think that it will benefit many and especially those who need it the most.

Ritzel, Rebecca J. “Give Cancer Patients a Break on Student Loans.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 22 Sept. 2017,
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/22/opinion/cancer-patients-student-loans-deferment.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FU.S.%20Congress&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=13&pgtype=collection

]]> 2017-09-27 20:56:59 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/191878011 A Familiar, Partisan Response In Congress To Las Vegas Massacre (Legislative) By: Grace Vlasak, Shelby Shuler, and Eileen Witt gcvlasak https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/193647820 Who: Democratic legislators
What: They want to tighten gun laws in response to the Las Vegas shooting. The House Minority Leader sent a letter to the House speaker, urging him to create a committee to study and offer recommendations for gun laws. She also wanted them to revisit a law to expand background checks. This law failed to pass in 2013 when it was introduced in response
to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Another representative, a senator from Connecticut, tweeted a call to action aimed at his Republican colleagues. One of the first things Trump did in office was to overturn a regulation limiting gun access to mentally ill individuals. Trump is sill trying to pass a law that makes it easier to buy silencers and another that nationalizes a conceal-carry law for permit holders.
When: After the Las Vegas shooting
Where: Washington DC
Why: Mass shooting always bring gun legislation back to the spotlight and the most deadly mass shooting in US history has encouraged many democrats to demand action in order to never allow a tragedy like this to happen again.

Davis, Susan. “A Familiar, Partisan Response In Congress To Las Vegas Massacre.” NPR, NPR, 2 Oct. 2017,
http://www.npr.org/2017/10/02/555099794/a-familiar-partisan-response-in-congress-to-las-vegas-massacre]]> 2017-10-03 20:43:18 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/193647820 Trump hails ‘incredible’ response in ‘lovely’ trip to storm-torn Puerto Rico (Executive Branch) By: Grace Vlasak, Shelby Shuler, and Eileen Witt https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/194121692 Who: Donald Trump
What: Donald Trump is being criticized for his slow response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. During his visit, he stirred even more controversy, saying that the storm wasn't bad compared to Hurricane Katrina and that the disaster had thrown the nations budget "a little out of whack."
When: The visit to Puerto Rico was yesterday but the Hurricane actually hit on September 20th, about two weeks ago.
Where: Puerto Rico
Why: The Hurricane is a huge disaster for the people in the small U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico. It knocks out power to the whole island and most of the island's population couldn't access clean water without their power. Local officials say that 80-90% of their structures are destroyed. Trump issues a state of emergency for Puerto Rico, and calls local officials, pledging to help. He then goes to his golf club in New Jersey for the weekend. People call for the president and the defense secretary to send the U.S. Navy to Puerto Rico to help, Puerto Ricans, are in fact, U.S. citizens. Trump says five days after the storm has hit in a tweet; "“Texas & Florida are doing great but Puerto Rico, which was already suffering from broken infrastructure & massive debt, is in deep trouble. It’s [sic] old electrical grid, which was in terrible shape, was devastated. Much of the Island was destroyed, with billions of dollars owed to Wall Street and the banks which, sadly, must be dealt with. Food, water and medical are top priorities—and doing well.” At this point, 1.53 million people on the island didn't ave access to drinking water. Seventy percent of hospitals in Puerto Rico were not functioning. More than 10,000 shipping containers full of food and supplies lay stranded in the Port of San Juan. They can’t be shipped to the island’s interior due to a lack of fuel, labor, and working roads.When people criticize Trump's slow response for Puerto Rico, including the mayor, he tweets “Such poor leadership ability by the Mayor of San Juan, and others in Puerto Rico, who are not able to get their workers to help. They want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort. 10,000 Federal workers now on Island doing a fantastic job.” His visit to Puerto Rico lead to even more controversy on October third.
My opinion: I think Trump should have immediately responded to the hurricane and devastation and not have taken so long. I think it's highly offensive that he would compare tragedies, and start talking about fake news and money when actual citizens of the U.S. are dying and not receiving help.
Johnson, Jenna, and Ashley Parker. “Trump Hails 'Incredible' Response in 'Lovely' Trip to Storm-Torn Puerto Rico.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 3 Oct. 2017, www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-praises-himself-for-administrations-great-job-in-puerto-rico/2017/10/03/fdb5eeb4-a83a-11e7-8ed2-c7114e6ac460_story.html?utm_term=.38f0314db567.]]> 2017-10-05 00:35:38 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/194121692 Supreme Court to Decide on Power of Public Sector Unions (Judicial) Eileen Witt, Grace Vlasak, and Shelby Shuler eawitt https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/194146131 Who: state government workers and Mark Janus
What: The justices have to decide whether the state government workers who chose not to join a union will have to pay a share of union dues to cover the cost of negotiating contracts.
Where: Washington
When: September 28, 2017
Why: For a long time, the employees who chose to not join a union are still required to pay a portion of the union dues. They are required to pay these dues to cover the cost of collective bargaining. It also prevents free riders who get the benefits of a union contract but never pay for it. The court believes making the members who are not in a union to pay the full amount for something they are not apart of is violating their right of free expression. Violating their right of free expression will force the nonunion members to support a political activity whether they agree with it or not.
My opinion: I believe the state government workers should not be required to pay the dues of a union they are not a part of. I think this because it goes against their right of free expression, and if they are not a part of it, why would they have to pay for it?

Williams, Pete. “Supreme Court Will Hear a Case on the Power of Public Sector Unions.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 28 Sept. 2017,
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/supreme-court-decide-power-public-sector-unions-n805461

]]> 2017-10-05 04:07:08 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/194146131 Trump suggests challenging NBC's broadcast license (Executive Branch) By: Josie Pierce, Kate Mattingly, and Lauren King https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/196144827 Who:Donald Trump
What: Donald Trump threatens to pull NBC's broadcast license for releasing false information about increasing the U.S arsenal.
Where: Washington, (News broadcasted nationwide)
When: October 11, 2017
Why:The NBC network reported on Trump's security meetings. This report claimed he surprised his national security by suggesting a ten fold increase in the U.S nuclear arsenal. The meeting was led by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who called Trump a moron, which was reported last week on NBC. Trump lashed out at NBC for reporting a false statement and how it isn't even possible. Trump tweeted Wednesday morning, "Fake @NBCNews made up a story that I wanted a ‘tenfold’ increase in our U.S. nuclear arsenal. Pure fiction, made up to demean. NBC = CNN!"
He compared NBC and CNN to be equal since he has had issues with CNN in the past. Again Trump tweeted,
“With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!” Trump thinks these false statements from NBC should be stopped immediately. NBC has yet to make a comment.
Trump threatened to "open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money." Trump has verbally gone after NBC multiple times. The quote from Tillerson of calling Trump a "moron" was also denied.

My opinion: I think trump has no right to take NBC's broadcasting license. We have the right to freedom of speech and press. As long as NBC is not intentionally reporting false information, it is legal. Him taking NBC's rights would be unconstitutional and not fair.
LOUIS NELSON and MARGARET HARDING MCGILL, et al. “Trump Suggests Challenging NBC's Broadcast License.” POLITICO, 11 Oct. 2017, www.politico.com/story/2017/10/11/trump-nbc-broadcast-license-243667.

]]> 2017-10-11 17:42:10 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/196144827 Ryan: Gun Silencer Bill is 'Not Scheduled' for a Vote in Wake of Las Vegas Shooting (Legislative Branch) By: Lauren King, Josie Pierce, and Kate Mattingly) leking https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/196217323 Who: House Speaker Paul Ryan
What: Paul Ryan confirms that a bill that would make gun silencers easier to acquire has been put on hold due to the recent event of the Las Vegas shooting.
Where: House Republican Conference at the Capitol
When: October 4, 2017
Why: Many people have been wanting to pass a law that makes gun silencers more available to the public. This would eliminate the restrictions on the silencers and therefore treat guns as ordinary firearms. This bill was very close to being passed by the House, but due to the attack prior to the finalization of the bill, the bill was put on pause. Many controversies have been stirring up on the topic of gun control and constitutional rights to bear arms.The actions that have taken place include a more difficult process to purchase a gun, many background checks, and making it an even more difficult process to buy a gun that was shoot many fires within seconds. Ryan states that, "one of the things we've learned from these shootings is often underneath this is a diagnosis of mental illness." He believes that mental illness plays a huge role into these types of incidents happening. Many people are upset in Ryan's decision to post-pone the bill as they feel it takes away their rights and they fear this will lead to the limitation of their 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.
In my Opinion: In my opinion I think that it wasn't right of Paul Ryan to pause the passing of the law. Yes, it is a very serious issue and situation that occurred but that doesn't mean there should be anything done to prevent or limit the rights we have stated int he Constitution. I feel whenever there is a mass killing due to guns, many people start to think that to stop these things from happening, it would be right to not let people carry guns. Guns are meant to protect ourselves and we are given that right. There is nothing wrong with doing a background check but it is our right and it will always be our right to bear arms. It is very unfortunate however that some people feel the need to abuse this right and use it for evil rather than protection.
Levy, Gabrielle. “Ryan: Gun Silencer Bill Is 'Not Scheduled' for a Vote in Wake of Las Vegas Shooting .” U.S. News, 3 Oct. 2017, www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2017-10-03/ryan-gun-silencer-bill-is-not-scheduled-for-a-vote-in-wake-of-las-vegas-shooting.

]]> 2017-10-11 20:39:18 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/196217323 Courts Thwart Administrations Effort to Rescind Obama-Era Environmental Regulations (Judicial) By: Josie Pierce, Lauren King, and Kate Mattingly https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/196577878 Who: Federal Magistrate Judge in North Carolina, Trump, The Supreme Court, and Environmental Protection Agency
What: Once again courts rule that Trump and his team are violating federal law. The judge vacated a move by the Department of Interior to increase flaring, a technique used by oil and gas companies to burn of leaking methane. This technique has contributed to much of climate change and lost tax revenue. Trump continues to attempt to rescind the regulations and protections established during the Obama legacy.
Where: North Carolina, Washington DC
When: October 6th, 2017
Why: Trump wishes to decrease the spending on environmental issues because it is a "waste" when he rather spend it on things like the military. The court continues to rule this as breaking the federal law because we must conserve and take care of the earth, not continue to trash it. The arguments go back and forth due to trumps aggressiveness but the court stands firm. Environmentalists see it as proof that Trump and his team care little about honoring federal law. “It shows serial lawbreaking and sloppiness by a Trump administration bent on rollbacks,” said, John Walke,the director of the clean air project at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “It is sad they have to have their comeuppance in courts rather than doing what was right.” We owe it to our earth and to the health of all humans to not settle for a cheaper option.
In my Opinion: In my opinion I think that it is important that the courts continue to resist Trump and his efforts to pursue loosening the environmental protection laws. We already produce waste and pollution at a mind boggling rate, this will only make things worse. I would like to think that someday my kids will be able to sufficiently thrive in a clean world, not one covered in trash and polluted air. Once Trump unties one environmental law all the next will unravel. In my opinion I hope the court strongly resists his persistent, unlogical methods.
Citation:
Lipton, Eric. “Courts Thwart Administration’s Effort to Rescind Obama-Era Environmental Regulations.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 6 Oct. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/10/06/climate/trump-administration-environmental-regulations.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FCourts%2Band%2Bthe%2BJudiciary&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=collection.

]]> 2017-10-12 18:20:00 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/196577878 Fla. Gov. Announces Proposed 3-Day Limit on Opioid Prescriptions (Legislative) By: Bennett Lushin, Aaron Banks, Julian https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/198032123 Who: Florida Governor and the State of Florida
What: Florida Governor Rick Scott is proposing a 3 day time limit on Opioid Prescriptions. He is hoping that this law will help combat Florida's every growing opioid crisis. Florida Gov. Rick Scott is also hoping to set examples for other states to help them confront their opioid crisis as well. With this proposition on the table law makers are hoping to reduce opioid abuse and the amount of ODs occurring.
When: September 26, 2017 is when Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced the proposition.
Why: The state of Florida is planning to spend $50 million dollars next year on combating opioid abuse and OD. This proposition will make it harder for people to get opioid related drugs such as Oxycodone and morphine and possibly abuse them or become addicted to them. This is also helpful because it can help reduce the resources that drug dealers uses to make heroin. This proposition will hopefully inspire other states to follow suit and help us as a nation overcome the opioid crisis.
My opinion: This is a great idea because the harder it is to get strong opioid drugs even with a prescription because it will help reduce addiction and abuse. And it will also help make getting stronger drugs that druggies like to use harder. Reducing the amount of overdoses and reducing the waste of tax payers dollars on hospital stays and narcan use.

Site:

Fla. Gov. Announces Proposed 3-Day Limit on Opioid Prescriptions

By Alexa Lardieri, Staff Writer |Sept. 26, 2017, at 1:27 p.m.

https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-09-26/fl-gov-announces-3-day-limit-on-opioid-prescriptions

]]> 2017-10-17 21:23:04 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/198032123 Trump to Announce Harder Line on Iran (Executive) By: Benet, Aaron, Julian https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/198062133 Who: President Trump
What: Trump has to decide whether to certify if Iran is in compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was reached in 2015, and it ensures that Iran's nuclear testing program will be exclusively peaceful. If Trump refuses to certify it, Congress will begin a 60 day period to decide if the US should essentially tear up the contract. Trump claims that Iran is not in compliance, pointing to their continued missile tests and support for terrorist groups. Reports say Trump is sometimes furious that we have to confirm to Congress every 90 days Iran's compliance with the deal--which was specified in the JCPOA. Denying Iran's compliance may affect America's closest alliances.
When: Trump made this statement on October 6th.
Why: Trump believes this deal is terrible, but he doesn't want the deal to fully collapse. Iran doesn't look like it wants to give up it's nuclear weapons. Trump believes the decision will be a win-win for everyone. If the decision is made to rip up the contract, the US may be able to deal with the nuclear weapons in Iran, but Iran also may be able to use them. Trump also believes this possible revision is in the America's national security interests.
My opinion: I think we should focus more on North Korea than Iran. Iran isn't currently as much of a threat as North Korea, who is for sure testing nuclear weapons and claiming war might break out soon.

Shinkman, Paul D. Trump to Announce Harder Line on Iran. ]]> 2017-10-18 00:45:38 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/198062133 Trump travel ban: Timeline of a legal journey https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/198202225 2017-10-18 13:07:21 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/198202225 Supreme Court rejects appeal of bin Laden propagandist (Judicial Branch) By: Julian, Bennet, Aaron https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/198202290 Who: Ali Hamza al-Bahlul
What: The Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of Usama bin Laden's one-time assistant and propagandist, leaving intact his conspiracy conviction before a military tribunal.
Where: Supreme Court
When: October 10th, 2017
Why: the defendant was charged with providing material support to terrorism and conspiracy for the Al Qaeda terror network, offenses that were not included as crimes before the Military Commissions Act went into effect several years later.
I think that he should be in jail for along time for providing help to a terrorist group.

]]> 2017-10-18 13:07:24 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/198202290 Congress finally has a bill to regulate Facebook. Here’s what it says. (Legislative Branch) By Shriya, Caleb, Nick https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/199352740 Who: Congress

What: Congress is trying to pass a bill that would regulate political ads on social media sites and other online sites. Three Senators have proposed a bill - the “Honest Ads Act” l that would make these companies follow the same standards as broadcasting companies. Companies with over 50 million monthly users would have to make public information about political ads on their websites. This information includes how many times the ad was viewed, the target audience of the advertisement, the political party it was supporting, disclose contact information for the ad’s purchaser and how much was paid to put up the ad, as well as making sure the ad was not purchased by a foreign national.

When: October 19th, 2017

Why: This bill was introduced due to Russia’s interference with the 2016 election. A Russian “troll farm” had purchased thousands of political ads to its site for the price tag of $100,000. These ads reached as many as 25 million Facebook users. Russian linked ads were also to be found on sites like Twitter and Pinterest. This bill would make it harder for the 2016 election interference to occur again.

My opinion: I think that this bill is a good idea because it encourages transparency in the political process. It’s essential that other countries don’t interfere with the elections as it is unfair and gives some people an advantage without effort. Around 25 million people on Facebook and other social media sites saw the ads - this number could have swung the results of the election.
Citation:
Timmons, Heather. “Congress finally has a bill to regulate Facebook. Here’s what it says.” qz.com. Quartz, 18 Oct 2017. Web.

21 Oct 2017 Accessed.

https://qz.com/1105987/congress-may-try-to-regulate-political-ads-in-the-internet-like-those-on-broadcast-t3elevision/

]]> 2017-10-22 14:15:42 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/199352740 Supreme Court to hear case on accessing data stored abroad. (Judicial Branch) by Shriya, Caleb, and Nick https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/199841803 Who: Judicial Branch, U.S. Technology firms
What: Law enforcement in the U.S has had problems investigating certain cases due to the fact that data/evidence is stored in a different country. They claim that the searches would be justified because the U.S. Law enforcement would be searching U.S. Technology firms not the foreign country. Last year, the court of appeals concluded that "Microsoft was not obligated to provide data stored in Ireland to comply with an American warrant" (Gerstein "Supreme Court to hear case on accessing data stored abroad"). However, courts in states such as New York, Vermont and Connecticut have made opposite decisions. The decision will not be based on the Constitution rather the Stored Communications Act. This is a topic of debate because many people believe that is will infringe upon the rights to the borders of other nations. The USA could have the domestic legality to collect data from other nations without that certain nations consent. Hearings for this case will be heard next year.
My Opinion: I do believe that the U.S. Law Enforcement should have the right to obtain data from U.S. Technology firms from abroad. I believe this because we are searching the U.S. Technology firms, not ones of any other country. It would be easy for a U.S. Technology firm to hide away important evidence in other countries.
Citation
Gerstein, Josh. "Supreme Court to hear case on accessing data stored abroad."
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/16/supreme-court-microsoft-us-data-243809. Politico, 16 Oct 2017. 23 Oct 2017 Accessed.

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/16/supreme-court-microsoft-us-data-243809]]> 2017-10-24 03:31:52 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/199841803 Tom Steyer launches campaign to Impeach Trump (Executive Branch) Caleb, Nick, Shriya njkarn https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/199940897 Who: Tom Steyer, Donald Trump
What: Multibillionaire Tom Steyer launched a campaign ad last week to impeach our current president. The ads are being played all across America and apparently Steyer is paying for them out of his own pocket at an estimated cot of $10 Million. Steer argues that the democratic party has impeached a president for far less in the past. He says that Trump's continued stretching of the law through obstruction of Justice in the unemployment of James Comey as the FBI director, and says that Trump is mentally unstable and not fit to run our country. He argues that Trump has broken the law too many times for our government to still be legitimate now that he is still in office.
Opinion: Personally, I don't think Steyer's arguments hold much merit. It is true that Trump has made mistakes, an any human being would do. It's also true that he has stretched the truth and even the law in some cases. However, I don't believe that Steyer's argument is very legitimate, and I feel he stretches the truth in most cases of his arguments.
Cite: Bradner, Eric. “Steyer's $10 Million Impeach Trump Campaign.” CNN, Cable News Network, 22 Oct. 2017, www.cnn.com/2017/10/20/politics/tom-steyer-ad-impeach-trump/index.html. ]]> 2017-10-24 12:28:53 UTC https://padlet.com/sganser/e5b2wz2iser9/wish/199940897