SCOTUS
Order in the Court
What’s going on: While the executive and legislative branches often cross paths on Capitol Hill, the judicial branch tends to make itself scarce. So when Supreme Court justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testified before lawmakers yesterday, it was a big deal. The reason for their visit? Money. SCOTUS is asking for a $20 million budget boost, with the majority going toward beefing up security. Barrett and Kagan argue the added protection is badly needed after a series of disturbing close calls, suspicious packages, and swatting hoaxes against members on the bench. Their testimonies underline a dangerous trend: Political violence is on the rise, threatening all kinds of public figures and their families. And, evidence shows when lawmakers are targeted by violence, it can influence how they vote.
A dangerous precedent: Despite the Court’s immense power, the American public has long viewed it as a trusted, impartial institution. In recent years, and especially since the 2022 Dobbs decision, public opinion has remained low, and threats to the Court have spiked dramatically. So have calls to impose term limits and expand the court. That may be because Americans feel more polarized and threatened, and divisive SCOTUS rulings emphasize the court’s power. The bottom line? High-profile government figures should be able to safely conduct their work –– which is what many Americans want, too. But as with virtually every other political issue, we can’t seem to agree on a solution.
Related: The Unflattering Review That Could Complicate Todd Blanche's AG Gig (The New York Times Gift Link)
We Needed This
Tiny Upgrades: Summer Edition
You might recall our Tiny Upgrades Week back in February, where we introduced you to hundreds of low-effort products that make your life easier. Today, we’re back with a few recent favorites that’ll make the rest of your summer run a little more smoothly.
A lightweight body serum that soothes post-sun skin
A nightlight that’ll help your overstimulated kid get to sleep on time
This comfy foldable chair for camping and beach trips
A beauty subscription box that takes the guesswork out of your makeup routine
A vibrator in a surprisingly cute shape, just because
KNOW IT ALL
Cue the Jaws theme song: Which state is expected to see “one of its sharkiest summers in a decade”?
Finally, a solvable crossword. Finish this puzzle quickly for bragging rights.
SCOTUS
Order in the Court
What’s going on: While the executive and legislative branches often cross paths on Capitol Hill, the judicial branch tends to make itself scarce. So when Supreme Court justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testified before lawmakers yesterday, it was a big deal. The reason for their visit? Money. SCOTUS is asking for a $20 million budget boost, with the majority going toward beefing up security. Barrett and Kagan argue the added protection is badly needed after a series of disturbing close calls, suspicious packages, and swatting hoaxes against members on the bench. Their testimonies underline a dangerous trend: Political violence is on the rise, threatening all kinds of public figures and their families. And, evidence shows when lawmakers are targeted by violence, it can influence how they vote.
A dangerous precedent: Despite the Court’s immense power, the American public has long viewed it as a trusted, impartial institution. In recent years, and especially since the 2022 Dobbs decision, public opinion has remained low, and threats to the Court have spiked dramatically. So have calls to impose term limits and expand the court. That may be because Americans feel more polarized and threatened, and divisive SCOTUS rulings emphasize the court’s power. The bottom line? High-profile government figures should be able to safely conduct their work –– which is what many Americans want, too. But as with virtually every other political issue, we can’t seem to agree on a solution.
Related: The Unflattering Review That Could Complicate Todd Blanche's AG Gig (The New York Times Gift Link)
We Needed This
KNOW IT ALL
Cue the Jaws theme song: Which state is expected to see “one of its sharkiest summers in a decade”?
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