Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) has announced his plans to challenge Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) for his Senate seat in the upcoming election, after Menendez was charged with bribery in a recent indictment. Kim, joined by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Democratic state committee chairman LeRoy J. Jones Jr., has called for Menendez to step down, saying "We cannot jeopardize the Senate or compromise our integrity." The election for the New Jersey Senate seat will take place in November 2020, and it is unclear if Menendez will seek re-election.
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Darryl George, a 17-year-old Black high school student from Mont Belvieu, Texas, has been suspended since August 31st for his hairstyle, prompting his family to file a civil rights lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. The lawsuit claims that the school district's dress code is discriminatory and violates George's civil rights, citing the CROWN Act which prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles associated with race. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to end George's suspension and prevent the school district from enforcing the dress code in a discriminatory manner, as well as damages for George's emotional distress.
Pope Francis has called on European leaders to open their ports to people fleeing hardship and poverty, and to respond with charity, rather than fear, to the migration crisis. During his two-day trip to France, he is expected to meet with migrants and refugees and visit a center for unaccompanied minors, emphasizing his message of compassion and understanding for those seeking a better life. His comments come as Europe is facing a surge in migration, with more than 100,000 people crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe this year alone.
On Friday, a strike on Russia's Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol left dozens dead and wounded. The attack reportedly resulted in the death and injury of the fleet's senior leadership, with one serviceman confirmed killed. In response, the U.S. is considering providing Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile Systems to aid in the ongoing counteroffensive against Russia.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has brought a civil suit against former President Donald Trump, alleging that he committed fraud when applying for loans by valuing properties far higher than appraisers. Trump's lawyers have argued that James has no valid authority to sue, and the judge is expected to rule on the scope of the trial before it begins. The outcome of the trial could have major implications for Trump's future legal battles, with the judge expected to make a ruling in the coming weeks.
Jessica Burgess, a Nebraska mother, was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday for providing her teenage daughter with pills for an abortion and helping to burn and bury the fetus. Burgess pleaded guilty in July to tampering with human remains, false reporting and providing an abortion after at least 20 weeks of gestation, which is illegal in Nebraska. Her attorney said she was deeply remorseful and had been trying to protect her daughter. The case has sparked a debate over abortion laws in Nebraska.
Donald Trump has announced he will not be participating in the upcoming Republican presidential debate on September 27th, instead opting to meet with union workers in Michigan. The RNC has set stringent requirements for the November 8th debate, including 4% of the vote in multiple polls and 70,000 unique donors. Trump has previously skipped debates and his decision to meet with union workers is a sign of his commitment to his supporters.
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) has temporarily stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee while facing federal corruption charges. Despite the charges, many have expressed their support for Menendez, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who has called for Menendez to receive due process and a fair trial. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) and Republican candidate for governor Kim Guadagno have both called for Menendez to resign, citing the allegations as compromising his ability to represent the people of New Jersey.