In a court room the great questions are answered. The Supreme Court is the most important judicial body. The Supreme Court is the final judge in all cases involving laws of Congress, and the highest law of all, the Constitution. Its power is limited by the other two branches of government. The President nominates justices to the court.
The Constitution gives the Supreme Court the power to check the actions of the President and Congress. It can tell a President that his actions are not allowed by the Constitution. It can tell Congress that a law it passed violated the U.S. Constitution and is no longer a law. The whole Congress also has great power over the lower courts in the federal system. It is up to the Supreme Court to say when the government breaks the rules.
The decisions of the Supreme Court are made inside the courthouse in Washington D.C. If the Court decides not to hear a case the ruling of the lower court stands. The cases they agree to hear are given a court date. Before Marshall became Chief Justice, the Supreme Court had not yet challenged an act of Congress. The Constitution did not give the Court power to judge laws passed by Congress. Therefore, the Court wasn't even sure it had this power. In a famous court case in 1803, Marbury v. Madison, he wrote the Court's opinion, which declared a law passed by Congress to be unconstitutional. This decision gave the Supreme Court its power of judicial review.
The Constitution does not allow Congress or state legislatures to pass laws that take away freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is protected in the United States and no lawmaking body can take away that right.
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/role-supreme-court/
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Monday, February 25, 2019
Trump throws Mar-a-Largo Party
In Palm Beach Florida, lies President Trump's billion dollar Mar-a-Largo home. While Trump was preparing to go to Vietnam, some of his closest friends and supporters gathered in his Florida mansion this past weekend for a party. Generally, President Trump does not let people from the media gather in his home, however this weekend was different.
NBC News got an inside look inside the president's mansion and saw what all the hype is about. Trump has only visited Mar-a-Largo a few times since being elected as president, but the mansion is kept clean and up to date thanks to his maid.
"Decked out in red, white, and blue, and cowboy gear, more than 800 Mar-a-Lago members and guests mingled at the estate for the "Country Comes to Mar-a-Lago" gala hosted by a group of ardent female supporters who refer to themselves as "Trumpettes."
The country themed party was put together by Trump's lifelong friend Toni Holt Kramer. Toni loves the outdoors and horses and thought a country themed party would be perfect. She thought it would be different then most themed expensive parties.
Toni arranged for the White House to take a video of Trump addressing his guests. He said, "We are a very special group of people and you are a very special group of friends. Enjoy your evening in Palm Beach, enjoy your evening at Mar-a-Lago," Trump said in the video projected onto large white screens put up around the extravagant ballroom decked out with 16 crystal chandeliers and gold leaf on the walls. (The ballroom's entrance is just steps away from Trump and his wife Melania's quarters on the property.")
The president's son Eric Trump attended as a guest of honor. He and his brother Donald Jr. run the Trump family business including Mar-a-Lago, which costs $200,000 to join and $14,000 per year to maintain a membership.
Eric has been known to attack the media in the past, however everyone was welcoming to NBC News being part of this wonderful event. Tickets for the event ranged from $20,000 for a table of 12 including "elite VIP reception with celebrities, premium seating" to $550 for a single seat. The proceeds went to cover the cost of the party. There was music and special guest speakers. Kramer said the party was a success and the president would've been very pleased.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/inside-country-themed-trumpette-gala-trump-s-mar-lago-n975161
NBC News got an inside look inside the president's mansion and saw what all the hype is about. Trump has only visited Mar-a-Largo a few times since being elected as president, but the mansion is kept clean and up to date thanks to his maid.
"Decked out in red, white, and blue, and cowboy gear, more than 800 Mar-a-Lago members and guests mingled at the estate for the "Country Comes to Mar-a-Lago" gala hosted by a group of ardent female supporters who refer to themselves as "Trumpettes."
The country themed party was put together by Trump's lifelong friend Toni Holt Kramer. Toni loves the outdoors and horses and thought a country themed party would be perfect. She thought it would be different then most themed expensive parties.
Toni arranged for the White House to take a video of Trump addressing his guests. He said, "We are a very special group of people and you are a very special group of friends. Enjoy your evening in Palm Beach, enjoy your evening at Mar-a-Lago," Trump said in the video projected onto large white screens put up around the extravagant ballroom decked out with 16 crystal chandeliers and gold leaf on the walls. (The ballroom's entrance is just steps away from Trump and his wife Melania's quarters on the property.")
The president's son Eric Trump attended as a guest of honor. He and his brother Donald Jr. run the Trump family business including Mar-a-Lago, which costs $200,000 to join and $14,000 per year to maintain a membership.
Eric has been known to attack the media in the past, however everyone was welcoming to NBC News being part of this wonderful event. Tickets for the event ranged from $20,000 for a table of 12 including "elite VIP reception with celebrities, premium seating" to $550 for a single seat. The proceeds went to cover the cost of the party. There was music and special guest speakers. Kramer said the party was a success and the president would've been very pleased.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/inside-country-themed-trumpette-gala-trump-s-mar-lago-n975161
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Children of ISIS fighters
Many children have been born and raised in the Islamic State and now government is trying to find a way, if any, to reintegrate them into society. Western countries are forced to have to deal with minors who qualify for citizenship and have parents who were involved in ISIS. "The family of 19-year-old Shamima Begum — one of three British high school students who together abandoned their lives in east London in 2015 to marry ISIS fighters — has appealed for the U.K. government to help bring the pair home from a refugee camp," says NBC News. The children of these ISIS fighters have done nothing wrong and should be able to grow up in peace and safety.
Under international law countries are obligated to let their nationals go home. European countries have been not taking back ISIS fighters and their families because they find them unsafe. " Britain has even gone so far as to revoke the citizenship of more than 100 ISIS fighters who had dual nationality," NBC News claims. Britain, however, does have compassion for children who were born into a war zone and believes they should be kept safe and secure in the UK. Only Russia has so far repatriated any children of Islamic State fighters. Governments have a ethical and legal responsibility to help these children in any way they can.
"Over the weekend, President Donald Trump called on European countries to take back the captured ISIS fighters or risk them being released. “The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial,” Trump tweeted Saturday."
Many countries are still unsure what they are going to do with children of ISIS fighting families, but they future looks bright for those children. The countries have sympathy for children who were born into conflict and don't blame them for any wrongdoings that have occurred. Hopefully there will soon be a solution for helping these kids and that they can live a safe and peaceful life.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/isis-fighters-had-thousands-children-so-what-happens-them-now-n972956
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening to Kill a Woman in Nursing Home
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.—One man has been charged after he allegedly sent text messages identifying himself as “Man-Boy” and threatening to kill a woman in a nursing home.
Patrick has told police that he had been receiving threatening text messages and pictures from, "Man- Boy." In an interview with police, Guess stated he received text messages from 37-year-old Henderson who wanted Guess to use “funny money” to make purchases, then return it for real money in exchange for money and drugs. After Patrick refused to make the purchases, "Man-Boy' said Patrick owed him $1,000. Henderson (Man-Boy) said his Patrick didn't pay him he would kill Patrick and his and his mother. Police went through Patrick's phone and found multiple messages from Henderson making these threats. Police found multiple photos Henderson sent Patrick. One photo Henderson was wearing a ski mask inside a room with tan curtains. Another photo was taken by Henderson in the parking lot of the nursing home where Patrick's mother was staying. The last photo was of Patrick's mother's nursing home bed.
A warrant was issued for Henderson's arrest. The South Bend Police Department received a search warrant for the money and officers were able to collect 17 $20 bills.
On January 31, Patrick Guess contacted South Bend Police regarding threats he had been receiving from Corey Henderson, reports said.
Patrick has told police that he had been receiving threatening text messages and pictures from, "Man- Boy." In an interview with police, Guess stated he received text messages from 37-year-old Henderson who wanted Guess to use “funny money” to make purchases, then return it for real money in exchange for money and drugs. After Patrick refused to make the purchases, "Man-Boy' said Patrick owed him $1,000. Henderson (Man-Boy) said his Patrick didn't pay him he would kill Patrick and his and his mother. Police went through Patrick's phone and found multiple messages from Henderson making these threats. Police found multiple photos Henderson sent Patrick. One photo Henderson was wearing a ski mask inside a room with tan curtains. Another photo was taken by Henderson in the parking lot of the nursing home where Patrick's mother was staying. The last photo was of Patrick's mother's nursing home bed.
A warrant was issued for Henderson's arrest. The South Bend Police Department received a search warrant for the money and officers were able to collect 17 $20 bills.
Police found that the bills were counterfeit. The police brought Henderson in for an interview at the police department. According to court documents, Henderson stated he intended to scare Guess and that “Rosco” was a pellet gun that closely resembled a handgun.
As a result of the incident, the nursing home where Patrick's mother lived was put on complete lockdown. Henderson is currently being held in St. Joseph's County Jail and he is scheduled to appear in court on February 11th. Henderson is charged with one count of intimidation and one count of counterfeiting.
https://www.abc57.com/news/man-boy-charged-after-allegedly-threatening-to-kill-woman-in-nursing-home
Parkland Shooter Case Still Stands
A year after, Nikolas Cruz massacred 17 people and injured 17 in the Parkland shooting the question isn't whether he's guilty or not, it's whether he lives or dies. "His defense team has offered a guilty plea in exchange for life in prison without the possibility of parole, but only if prosecutors take the death penalty off the table." Out of the top ten violent shootings, Cruz has been the only one to be captured alive.
Cruz's attorneys have been have been gathering dozens of witnesses to give statements under oath. These sessions happen behind close doors and only Cruz's attorneys can listen in not even Cruz himself can attend. This trail is going to be inevitably long because death penalty cases take a long time. "The process itself has three stages. The current pretrial stage, where the discovery is conducted; the guilt phase, where the trial is conducted; and if convicted as charged, the penalty phase where a jury determines whether to impose the death penalty or not." Death penalty cases can take at least two years to go to trial.
Cruz's defense team has made it clear that they do not want a lengthy death penalty trial. That's why his team is offering his client's guilty plea in exchange for 34 life sentences without parole. This would let the victims not have to relive this devastating day. This would end the extensive legal process that could last decades if there is an appeal.
"Some Marjory Stoneman Douglas students are conflicted on the possibility of a death penalty trial." Some students say it may be a good thing for Cruz to get the death penalty, however some students are totally against it. Finding jurors has also been a struggle because any person who is opposed to the death penalty has to be taken out of the running to be a juror. Finding the perfect jury might take weeks or months depending on where the trial is held. Finding people who will be fair and impartial is another struggle in this vicious crime. Florida's death penalty law requires the jury's decision to be unanimous. If one of the 12 jurors dissents, the defendant must be sentenced to life without parole.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/12/us/nikolas-cruz-trial-a-year-later/index.html
Cruz's attorneys have been have been gathering dozens of witnesses to give statements under oath. These sessions happen behind close doors and only Cruz's attorneys can listen in not even Cruz himself can attend. This trail is going to be inevitably long because death penalty cases take a long time. "The process itself has three stages. The current pretrial stage, where the discovery is conducted; the guilt phase, where the trial is conducted; and if convicted as charged, the penalty phase where a jury determines whether to impose the death penalty or not." Death penalty cases can take at least two years to go to trial.
Cruz's defense team has made it clear that they do not want a lengthy death penalty trial. That's why his team is offering his client's guilty plea in exchange for 34 life sentences without parole. This would let the victims not have to relive this devastating day. This would end the extensive legal process that could last decades if there is an appeal.
"Some Marjory Stoneman Douglas students are conflicted on the possibility of a death penalty trial." Some students say it may be a good thing for Cruz to get the death penalty, however some students are totally against it. Finding jurors has also been a struggle because any person who is opposed to the death penalty has to be taken out of the running to be a juror. Finding the perfect jury might take weeks or months depending on where the trial is held. Finding people who will be fair and impartial is another struggle in this vicious crime. Florida's death penalty law requires the jury's decision to be unanimous. If one of the 12 jurors dissents, the defendant must be sentenced to life without parole.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/12/us/nikolas-cruz-trial-a-year-later/index.html
My Favorite App
My favorite app to use is UberEats. UberEats is an app that lets you choose from numerous restaurants to order from and delivers your favorite food right to your door. The app also separates the restaurants into different food categories. For example: pizza, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, desserts, and much more. I also love how you can track your order and see when the restaurant is preparing your food and when your food is on the way.
UberEats has many helpful delivery features so you know just when your order will arrive. If you turn on your notifications, UberEats will alert you and say when the Uber driver picked up your food and is on the way. The app tells you who your driver is and what color and model car they are driving so it is easy to spot the car when they arrive to your building. You can also find how many stars the driver has been rated so you can see how popular this driver may be. The feature I like is how you can add the tip when you pay for the order instead of signing a receipt or bringing cash with you. After the food is delivered, UberEats lets you rate how well the food was, the driver, and also any other comments you have to make UberEats a better service. I believe they really take your comments into consideration and try their best to accommodate your needs. Lastly, I love how I can use Uber gift cards for UberEats because I definitely UberEats more than I Uber.
All in all, I think UberEats is a great app that everyone should download. All your favorite restaurants are on there with different varieties of food to choose from. Delivery is fast and you can always contact the driver if you have any questions on where they are. UberEats takes your feedback into consideration and has never given me any problems with the food they delivery, nor have I had any problems finding a driver or with a driver. If you personally can't find your favorite restaurants on UberEats, some similar apps are Postmates and DoorDash.
https://www.ubereats.com/en-US/
UberEats has many helpful delivery features so you know just when your order will arrive. If you turn on your notifications, UberEats will alert you and say when the Uber driver picked up your food and is on the way. The app tells you who your driver is and what color and model car they are driving so it is easy to spot the car when they arrive to your building. You can also find how many stars the driver has been rated so you can see how popular this driver may be. The feature I like is how you can add the tip when you pay for the order instead of signing a receipt or bringing cash with you. After the food is delivered, UberEats lets you rate how well the food was, the driver, and also any other comments you have to make UberEats a better service. I believe they really take your comments into consideration and try their best to accommodate your needs. Lastly, I love how I can use Uber gift cards for UberEats because I definitely UberEats more than I Uber.
All in all, I think UberEats is a great app that everyone should download. All your favorite restaurants are on there with different varieties of food to choose from. Delivery is fast and you can always contact the driver if you have any questions on where they are. UberEats takes your feedback into consideration and has never given me any problems with the food they delivery, nor have I had any problems finding a driver or with a driver. If you personally can't find your favorite restaurants on UberEats, some similar apps are Postmates and DoorDash.
https://www.ubereats.com/en-US/
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
My Top 5 News Websites
I love to read the news and stay up to date on the issues going on in the world today. There are many sources where I receive news, but here are my top five.
1. Twitter- Many people use social media sites, like Twitter, to get their news. Twitter is a quick efficient way to get news on your phone without searching for each issue. On Twitter, the popular news articles pop up and you can easily access the article by simply clicking on it. Twitter is a great app if you want to stay up to date with the most popular news stories. https://twitter.com
2. TMZ- Many people have opposing views on whether TMZ is a reliable source for news or not. However, I personally think TMZ has accurate information and they find out about the news faster than the other news sources. If you are looking for a fast way to get information before any other source knows about it, go to TMZ. http://www.tmz.com
3. New York Times- The NY Times is a great way to get news on all different issues going on around the world. I love the New York Times because you can search key words and it will come up with numerous issues on your specific search. Also, you can find old articles published years ago if your looking for research on a specific topic. You can access the NY Times on their website or download the app. https://www.nytimes.com
4. Youtube- I think Youtube is a great source for news because you get to watch videos on any kind of news topics you want instead of reading about it. Many people are visual learners, like myself, and watching Youtube videos can help people retain the information and feel like they are more connected to the issue. The best way to get access to Youtube is through the app, but you can also find it online. https://www.youtube.com
5. Buzzfeed- Buzzfeed is an online site where I find news about celebrities. I mainly use this site to find articles about celebrities and pop culture news, however you can find other news on Buzzfeed too. I usually don't use websites for news, but I like how Buzzfeed is easy to find and has current news going on in the celebrity world. https://www.buzzfeed.com
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