US NATIONAL NEWS
Stymied by the Supreme Court, Biden wants voters to have the final say on his agenda
Published
3 years agoon
WASHINGTON (AP) — After major blows to his agenda by the Supreme Court, President Joe Biden is intent on making sure voters will have the final say.
When the court’s conservative majority effectively killed his plan to cancel or reduce federal student loan debts for millions of people, Biden said, “Republicans snatched away the hope that they were given.” When the justices ended race-based affirmative action in college admissions, he said, “This is not a normal court.” When they overturned Roe v. Wade and a national right to abortion last year, the president said, “Voters need to make their voices heard.”
As Biden heads into the 2024 election, he is running not only against the Republicans who control one-half of Congress but also against the conservative bloc that dominates the nation’s highest court. It’s a subtle but significant shift in approach toward the Supreme Court, treating it more like a political entity even as Biden stops short of calling for an overhaul.
That shift is becoming apparent in everything from the White House’s messaging to its legal strategy.
“The president respects the court’s authority, but if its judgments are going to be political and there are members of the court who are saying that, he owes it to voters to make it clear what his positions are and what he’s doing to address it,” said Ron Klain, his former chief of staff.
“Many members of the current court testified that Roe is settled law and still overturned it,” he added, referring to the court’s ruling on abortion. “That has its consequences.”
Biden, who once led the Senate Judiciary Committee, is focusing on the politicization of the court as a way to encourage voters to back him. Yet he has not embraced any effort to make big changes to the court.
Instead, Biden is increasingly vocal about his belief that the court is abandoning mainstream constitutional interpretation. He tells voters they need more Democrats in Congress and a Democrat in the White House to counter the impact of the conservative-leaning court.
Biden has won his share of cases, including on immigration, before a court where conservatives hold a 6-3 majority. But the student loan defeat capped a term when justices imposed significant roadblocks.
White House officials say Biden is keen to explore other ways to pursue the same priorities and explain to the American people about the obstacles.
“There’s only upside in running against the court as an institution because the court is doing things that are wildly unpopular and they’re preventing the president from implementing his agenda,” said Chris Kang, chief counsel of the progressive group Demand Justice and a onetime deputy counsel to President Barack Obama.
“I think that it’s important to make clear that the Supreme Court is making it impossible to implement and advance policies that should not have any controversy attached to them,” he added.
Republicans are working to portray Biden as overstepping his legal authority in pursuit of his agenda. They say the high court’s policies are in step with much of the country and they are trying to motivate their own voters by highlighting what the GOP has achieved through court rulings.
Former President Donald Trump, at the recent Faith and Freedom Coalition conference in Washington, praised the three justices he had nominated to the Supreme Court. “Exactly one year ago today, those justices were the pivotal votes in the Supreme Court’s landmark decision ending the constitutional atrocity known as Roe v. Wade,” Trump said.
He drew a standing ovation by noting that “conservatives had been trying for 50 years,” to overturn that ruling. “But I got it done and nobody ever thought it was a possibility.”
Other administration officials said the court’s conservative dominance has lowered the political cost to Biden when the justices scuttle some of his legally suspect actions such as on student loans and coronavirus mandates. On the latter, the Supreme Court struck down Biden’s attempt to require employees of large companies to get shots but left the requirement in place for health care workers, though by that time the pandemic had started to wane.
Klain insisted that everything Biden has put forward had a solid legal basis and was approved by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel.
“There was no sense of taking the legal issues lightly or just ‘do it and take whatever the court says,’’ he said.
Confidence in the Supreme Court fell to its lowest point in at least 50 years after the leaked draft opinion in the abortion case in 2022. Those who view the current court favorably are largely Republican.
According to the Pew Research Center’s September 2022 report, only 28% of Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents now view the court favorably, down nearly 40 percentage points since 2020. And people in the United States increasingly favor term limits.
Positive views of the court among Republicans and those who lean Republican has increased to 73%. As a result, the partisan gap is larger than at any other point in the 35 years of polling that Pew has done on the court.
Republicans have focused for years on remaking the federal judiciary and Supreme Court. When Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-K.Y., was the majority leader, he refused to even meet in 2016 with Obama’s pick for the high court — current Attorney General Merrick Garland, a federal judge at that time. The nomination stalled until a Republican president, Trump, took over.
Establishment GOP operatives backed Trump because of his pledge to name as many judges to the bench as possible. Their gamble worked. Trump ended up with three Supreme Court nominees and 54 federal appeals court judges, reshaping the courts for a generation.
Democrats are now finally understanding the power of judges as a voting tool, and Biden has made judicial nominations a priority, appointing a record number of judges for a president at this point in his first term, including some of the most diverse picks yet to the judiciary. Biden aides plan on highlighting those accomplishments during the reelection campaign, but acknowledge it’s only a small salve to their troubles at the high court.
Biden has taken to warning voters about what else the Supreme Court might do in the future, whether rolling back same-sex marriage rights or access to contraception.
“President Biden is being direct with the American people about the stakes these extreme decisions that jettison decades of longstanding precedent have for their fundamental freedoms and their daily lives,” said White House spokesman Andrew Bates.
Part of Biden’s unwillingness to go further to reshape the Supreme Court comes from a sense of history. Those pushing social change stood by the court after Brown v. Board of Education, a major civil rights case, and even Roe v. Wade, holding up its autonomy as a way to push forward. Backing away from that, particularly for an establishment Democrat like Biden, is not easy.
As Biden said in an interview with MSNBC, “I think if we start the process of trying to expand the court, we’re going to politicize it maybe forever in a way that is not healthy,”
Leah Litman, a professor of law at the University of Michigan and co-host of “Strict Scrutiny” podcast about the Supreme Court, said that while Biden was unlikely to go that far, “there are a variety of things that Democratic politicians could run on that would actually allow them to more explicitly push back against the court.”
Besides expanding the size of the Supreme Court and or the lower courts, she said, other options include stripping the Supreme Court of jurisdiction over certain cases, setting term limits and implementing ethics changes.
All of them, she said, are things the party could embrace “as part of their recognition that the court has politicized itself.”
US NATIONAL NEWS
Trump Cabinet Officials Take America First Agenda Across the Nation
Published
1 week agoon
August 21, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN) – From the heartland to the coasts, members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet have fanned out across the country in recent weeks, visiting factories, farms, airports, universities, veterans facilities and community health centers to promote the administration’s policy priorities.
The visits have focused on a broad range of issues, including domestic manufacturing, energy production, infrastructure, small-business growth, veterans’ care, agriculture, border security and workforce development.
The appearances also have given Cabinet officials an opportunity to point to specific projects and investments they say demonstrate the impact of the administration’s America First agenda.
Manufacturing and Economic Growth
Economic policy has been a recurring theme.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited Vermeer Corp. in Pella, Iowa, where he promoted federal tax cuts as a catalyst for new manufacturing investment. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick likewise highlighted domestic manufacturing during a visit to Apple’s advanced manufacturing center in Houston.
In Indiana, Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler toured a manufacturer and met with farmers and other small-business owners. In Virginia, she visited another small manufacturer to discuss federal lending programs and tax provisions affecting small businesses.
Loeffler and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also toured Titan Tire in Des Moines, Iowa, where they discussed trade policy and the administration’s economic agenda with workers and company officials.
Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling made manufacturing and workforce development another focus, visiting facilities in Texas, Iowa and Ohio to discuss labor shortages, advanced manufacturing and workforce preparation.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has used several stops to highlight federal infrastructure investments.
During a visit to Michigan, Duffy toured Gerald R. Ford International Airport and discussed modernization of air traffic control systems. In Tampa, he announced federal funding for transportation and maritime projects, including a $16.5 million Federal Transit Administration award for a passenger ferry connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Duffy also highlighted infrastructure improvements planned at Tampa International Airport and a federal shipyard grant intended to support infrastructure upgrades and welder training.
In Cincinnati, Duffy announced a multibillion-dollar investment in the nation’s rail system, describing the effort as part of what he called a new era of American rail development.
Energy and Natural Resources
Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Texas’ Permian Basin to promote increased domestic oil and gas production.
Wright’s visit included a stop at an ExxonMobil oil rig and was part of the Energy Department’s Great American Energy Comeback Tour, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on expanding domestic energy production.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also traveled to Wisconsin, where he announced 111 new hunting and fishing opportunities across the national wildlife refuge system.
The announcement reflected another administration priority: expanding public access to federal lands while promoting outdoor recreation.
Health Care and Veterans
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made several stops focused on health care and public health.
In California, Kennedy visited Castle Family Health Centers in Atwater to announce a $102 million investment in rural health care centers. In Iowa, he promoted a new presidential fitness test during a visit to a YMCA, where he watched children participate in exercises including push-ups and planks.
Kennedy also appeared in California alongside Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner to promote the administration’s approach to homelessness and addiction, including a greater emphasis on treatment and faith-based organizations.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins has similarly traveled to local communities to discuss veterans’ services. During a visit to the Omaha VA, Collins highlighted women’s health and the expansion of care for younger veterans. He later participated in the Iowa State Fair’s annual Veterans Day Parade.
Agriculture and Border Security
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has focused on issues affecting farmers, food assistance and agricultural security.
In Texas, Rollins joined federal officials to discuss efforts to combat the New World screwworm, including plans to use drones to help identify infected animals and prevent their movement across the U.S.-Mexico border.
In Colorado, Rollins met with farmers and agricultural producers to discuss federal support for the industry and defended changes to federal food assistance programs, including new work requirements.
Commerce Secretary Lutnick also met with farmers in California to discuss challenges facing agriculture and the administration’s push to expand U.S. agricultural exports.
Homeland Security and National Security
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin traveled to Alaska for stops in Anchorage and Kodiak.
In Anchorage, Mullin toured a U.S. Customs and Border Protection cargo screening facility and met with Transportation Security Administration workers at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. He later traveled to Kodiak, where he toured the Coast Guard base and received briefings on homeland security and federal investments in the service.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also made a public appearance at the Iowa State Fair, where he spoke about U.S. troops and national security.
Education and Workforce Development
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has continued a national tour of colleges and universities, with a stop at Kansas State University marking her 40th campus visit.
Her visit included a focus on the university’s veterinary programs, research and extension work.
Labor Department officials have similarly emphasized the connection between education and employment. Sonderling’s visit to Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence highlighted advanced manufacturing research and efforts to prepare students for the modern workforce.
A Nationwide Message
Taken together, the visits illustrate a deliberate effort by the Trump administration to bring Cabinet officials directly into communities and connect federal policy with local businesses, workers, farmers, veterans and public institutions.
The events have varied widely in subject matter — from oil production in Texas and manufacturing in Iowa to transportation projects in Florida and health care investments in California — but administration officials have presented them as parts of a broader economic and national policy agenda.
The strategy also puts local lawmakers and community leaders alongside Cabinet officials, giving federal initiatives a visible connection to individual states and congressional districts.
For the administration, the message is straightforward: America First policies are intended not simply to be announced in Washington, but demonstrated through investments, projects and policy changes taking place in communities across the country.
Crimes and Courts
Ben Crump Joins Nolan Wells Family, Dr. Jamal Bryant for Prayer Rally on What Would Have Been His 19th Birthday
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 20, 2026
Family calls for release of official autopsy findings, transparency and answers surrounding death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells
BILOXI, Miss. (FNN NEWS) — National civil rights attorney Ben Crump joined the family of Nolan Xavier Wells and prominent faith leader Dr. Jamal Bryant on Wednesday for a prayer rally marking what would have been Wells’ 19th birthday.
The gathering at Greater St. John AME Church in Biloxi honored Wells’ life while amplifying his family’s continuing demands for answers, transparency and accountability surrounding his death.
FAMILY CONTINUES FIGHT FOR ANSWERS
Rather than celebrating Nolan’s 19th birthday with him, his family gathered with community members, faith leaders and advocates to remember his life and continue their pursuit of the truth about what happened to him.
The Wells family is calling for the release of the official autopsy findings and greater transparency from state investigators.
The rally provided the family with a public platform to keep attention focused on unanswered questions surrounding Nolan’s death while seeking support from the broader community.
BEN CRUMP JOINS FAMILY’S CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY
Crump’s participation brings national attention to the family’s search for answers.
The civil rights and personal injury attorney has represented families in numerous high-profile cases involving deaths, civil rights and allegations of government or institutional misconduct.
His appearance alongside the Wells family underscored their demand that authorities provide information needed to establish a clearer account of the circumstances surrounding Nolan’s death.
The family’s requests for transparency remain allegations and demands for information; authorities’ findings should be distinguished from claims that have not yet been independently established.
DR. JAMAL BRYANT LEADS FAITH COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT
Bryant joined Crump, the Wells family and community members as the gathering combined remembrance with prayer and calls for accountability.
The prominent pastor and civil rights advocate has frequently used his national platform to address social justice issues affecting Black communities.
The Biloxi gathering brought the legal, faith and local communities together around the Wells family’s effort to obtain answers.
A 19TH BIRTHDAY MARKED BY PRAYER
The timing of the rally carried particular significance for Nolan’s family.
Wednesday would have marked his 19th birthday.
Instead, family members and supporters gathered at the church to celebrate his memory and reinforce their commitment to finding out what happened.
The rally began at 7 p.m. CDT at Greater St. John AME Church, 551 Division St. in Biloxi.
CALL FOR AUTOPSY FINDINGS AND INVESTIGATIVE TRANSPARENCY
Central to the family’s demands is the release of Nolan’s official autopsy findings.
The family also wants state investigators to provide greater transparency regarding the investigation and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Until official findings are released, significant questions surrounding the case remain unresolved.
For Nolan’s family, Wednesday night’s gathering was both a memorial and a public declaration that their search for answers will continue.
What would have been a milestone birthday instead became a call for truth, transparency and accountability.
Sports
U.S. U-19 Men’s National Team Advances to Fifth Straight Concacaf U-20 Championship Final With 2-0 Win Over Costa Rica
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 10, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
MEXICO CITY (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Under-19 Men’s National Team advanced to its fifth consecutive Concacaf U-20 Championship final with a 2-0 semifinal victory over Costa Rica on Friday at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City.
Ruben Ramos scored in the 36th minute and captain Christopher Applewhite added the insurance goal in the 76th as the United States continued its run of championship-game appearances dating to 2017.
The Americans finished with a 17-8 advantage in total shots and put seven attempts on goal while limiting Costa Rica to two shots on target.
Ramos Breaks Through in First Half
The United States controlled much of the early action and created several opportunities during the opening 20 minutes.
Forward Jaidyn Contreras repeatedly challenged the Costa Rican defense and delivered dangerous service into the penalty area, helping the Americans generate multiple set-piece opportunities.
The breakthrough finally came in the 36th minute.
Costa Rica defender Emmanuel Brenes attempted to play the ball out of his own half, but U.S. midfielder Alexander Shaw intercepted the pass and directed the ball forward to Ramos.
Ramos advanced into space before firing a right-footed shot from distance. The attempt took a slight deflection off a Costa Rican defender, changing its path and beating goalkeeper Ian O’Rourke to give the United States a 1-0 lead.
The goal was Ramos’ fourth in five tournament matches.
U.S. Defense Protects Lead
The United States continued pressing after halftime.
Ramos nearly scored again in the 59th minute, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that forced O’Rourke into a two-handed save.
Costa Rica attempted to find an equalizer as the second half progressed, but the American defense held firm.
Colin Guske helped clear a dangerous opportunity before Braden Dunham made a sliding defensive play to eliminate another Costa Rican attack.
Applewhite Adds Insurance Goal
The United States doubled its advantage in the 76th minute following a free kick.
Tristan Brown sent the service into the six-yard box, where Applewhite slid into position and redirected the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead.
The Americans protected the advantage through the final whistle to secure another appearance in the Concacaf championship match.
U.S. Dominates Statistical Battle
The United States finished with seven shots on goal compared with Costa Rica’s two and held a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.
U.S. goalkeeper William Lodmell made two saves to complete the clean sheet.
Costa Rica goalkeeper O’Rourke finished with five saves.
Both teams were called for nine fouls.
Match Summary
2026 Concacaf U-20 Men’s Championship Semifinal
United States 2, Costa Rica 0
Scoring
- USA — Ruben Ramos (Alexander Shaw), 36th minute
- USA — Christopher Applewhite (Tristan Brown), 76th minute
Shots: USA 17, Costa Rica 8
Shots on goal: USA 7, Costa Rica 2
Corner kicks: USA 7, Costa Rica 2
Saves: USA 2, Costa Rica 5
Fouls: USA 9, Costa Rica 9
U.S. Reaches Fifth Consecutive Final
The victory sent the Americans to their fifth consecutive Concacaf U-20 Championship final and put them in position to compete for another regional title.
The United States entered the championship match seeking its fourth Concacaf U-20 title during its recent run of tournament success.
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