News Roundup 10/30/2017
By Andy Gutierrez
1. Court Blocks Trump from Reversing Transgender Military Policy:
On Monday, a U.S. District Judge ruled that individuals suing President Trump over his plan to reverse a policy that would ban transgender people from serving in the military had a high chance of winning the lawsuit. The judge also issued a preliminary injunction, which prevents the administration from moving forward with the ban. A previous request to dismiss the lawsuit by the Trump administration was denied, giving the lawsuit a chance to go to trial. The subject of whether federal funds would continue to pay for sexual reassignment surgery was not discussed in the ruling.
Source: AP News
2. Indictment of Trump Aides in Russia Investigation:
The first charges were announced Monday by the special council investigating Russia’s involvement in the 2016 presidential election. Paul Manafort, Rick Gates and George Papadopoulos all face indictments in the investigation. Manafort and Gates are accused of using foreign accounts and companies for payments in Russia, both pleaded not guilty.
Papadopoulos pleaded guilty when charged with lying to the FBI, as he knew the Russians had information that would hurt Hillary Clinton’s campaign, and lied to investigators when questioned. These charges come as Robert Mueller, leader of the council, is getting serious as the investigators are now investigating the White House. Both Manafort and Gates are facing up to 12 counts including conspiracy against the U.S. and making false statements.
Source: AP News
3. Aftermath of Tropical Storm Philippe in Northeast:
Problems arose Monday with power and transportation in the Northeast as a result of Tropical Storm Philippe. The storm left over 1.1 million people without power in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and other states. Maine’s governor declared a state of emergency. Severe damage made it difficult to fix power lines, and, as of Monday night, many were still without power.
Flooding has also been reported in large parts of New England and New York and many states were under high wind warnings. Transportation was also effected, with Trains services being halted, roads closed due to damaged and grounded flights. No deaths have been reported as the storm now moves towards Canada.
Source: CNN
4. The Bundys go on Trial:
On Monday, jury selection began to serve on the trial of Cliven Bundy, his two sons and someone who supports the family. The Bundys were involved in a standoff with federal agents regarding too cattle grazing rights in 2014. The family has garnered much support from other states as well as government officials, such as Las Vegas Councilwoman Michele Fiore, as they go to trial for the first time.
Jury selection was difficult, as this took place only a few miles away from the Las Vegas attack a few weeks ago where the subject of guns is touchy. The dispute between the Bundys and the U.S. government stems back to a similar situation in 1998. Opening remarks may begin on Monday, with officials informing jurors that the trial could go on through the end of the year.
Source: Los Angeles Times
5. Kevin Spacey Criticized.
On Sunday, it was revealed that actor Kevin Spacey made sexual advances towards a 14-year-old Anthony Rapp. Spacey later came out as gay but many criticized him for trying to create a distraction in the wake of the pedophilia accusation. Others criticized the media for placing more emphasis on the news of him coming out than on the sexual advancement accusation. Spacey later wrote in a statement that he did not recall the encounter with Rapp, but that he owes Rapp an apology, if it did happen. Many celebrities also criticized him for coming out when it was convenient for him, after years of avoiding the question.
Source: New York Times