Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sues Wisconsin to remove his name from the state’s ballot
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is suing the Wisconsin Elections Commission to get his name off the November presidential ballot. RFK Jr. endorsed Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, in August after suspending his independent campaign.
Shortly after, the Wisconsin Elections Commission voted to keep Kennedy on the state’s ballot.
RFK’s lawsuit accused the commission of discrimination, arguing that independent candidates face different treatment than major party candidates and the decision infringes on RFK’s First Amendment right to free speech.
The suit highlights a disparity in ballot withdrawal deadlines, which is Aug. 6 for independents but Sept. 3 for Democratic and Republican nominees.
Kennedy’s attorneys argue that while political maneuvering is expected, the Supreme Court has ruled against discriminatory treatment of third-party candidates.
Kennedy faced a similar setback in Michigan, where a judge ruled he must remain on the ballot despite his efforts to withdraw. A lawsuit seeking his removal from the North Carolina ballot is still pending.
Despite suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump, Kennedy’s lingering ballot presence poses a potential threat to Republican votes, as polls indicate he draws support primarily from Trump’s base.
County clerks in Wisconsin have already been authorized to print ballots, with absentee ballots set to be sent to voters in just two weeks.
RFK Jr. may face federal probe over alleged chainsaw beheading of a whale
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent White House bid may have ended, but peculiar stories about him continue to surface. Now, the former presidential candidate is facing calls for a federal investigation amid allegations that he once used a chainsaw to behead a whale.
Kennedy’s 2024 campaign was filled with a number of strange moments, including a brain worm announcement, claims that he once ate dog meat and his admission to having once discarded a bear carcass in New York City’s Central Park.
Kick Kennedy, RFK Jr.’s daughter, shared this latest Kennedy tale in a 2012 magazine article. According to her account, when she was a child in the 1990s, a dead whale washed ashore near the Kennedy family’s Cape Cod, Massachusetts compound.
RFK Jr. then reportedly decapitated the whale with a chainsaw, secured the animal’s head on the roof of his car and drove it five hours back to New York with his children. Allegedly, the fluids from the carcass leaked into the vehicle during the drive.
This has all resurfaced again not just due to renewed public interest in RFK Jr. following his participation in the 2024 presidential race, but also because of reports about his daughter’s personal life. Kick Kennedy recently made headlines for her alleged association with Ben Affleck, fresh off his divorce from Jennifer Lopez. The rumors gave the whale story new life after it was again rehashed in an article from The Cut.
Meanwhile, the Center for Biological Diversity requested a federal investigation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) into Kennedy’s actions concerning the dead whale.
The environmental organization is concerned that what Kennedy is said to have done may violate several laws, including those related to the Endangered Species Act and safeguards against transporting illegally gathered wildlife remains across state lines.
Is it illegal for a presidential candidate to offer someone a job for an endorsement?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped out of the presidential race and went all in for former President Donald Trump, and the endorsement is already paying off. The New York Times reported Trump is making Kennedy and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat turned independent, honorary co-chairs of his presidential transition team, should he win in November.
In that role, Kennedy will help create the policies and hire the staff for a second Trump administration. Kennedy denied that he gave his endorsement in exchange for a cabinet post or other government position.
“There’s been no commitments,” Kennedy said on Fox News Sunday, Aug. 25. “You know I met with President Trump, with his family, with his close advisors and we just made a general commitment that we’re going to work together.
The Washington Post reported that Kennedy called both Trump and Vice President Harris before he dropped out. He talked to Trump about endorsing him and taking a job in the administration. Now Trump and Kennedy are being accused of breaking federal law.
Attorney Tristan Snell, who prosecuted the Trump University case, posted on X about the endorsement.
“Oh, by the way, it is a FEDERAL CRIME to promise a post in an administration in exchange for a candidate endorsement,” Snell wrote. “So of course convicted felon Donald Trump got RFK Jr. to endorse him.”
The section of code states whoever “directly or indirectly, promises any employment, (or) position…to any person as consideration, favor, or reward for any political activity or for the support of or opposition to any candidate…” can face up to one year in prison.
But Duke Law Professor Stuart Benjamin wrote in Reason that promising a position to RFK Jr. is not illegal, and that criminalizing such promises would violate the First Amendment.
He focused on 18 U.S. Code § 599 — “Promise of appointment by candidate.” It was the subject of a 1982 Supreme Court case in which the justices ruled unanimously in favor of a politician who promised voters he would lower his salary.
“The government might have an interest in prohibiting concealed promises from candidates to potential nominees,” Benjamin wrote. “Secret promises give no information to voters, so their only benefit is a private one to the candidate and/or to the nominee. That underscores the implausibility of any government interest in preventing the public naming of nominees in advance. There is no corrupting element.”
Israel strikes Hezbollah site in Lebanon; both sides claim victory
Israel and Hezbollah are both claiming victories after their biggest exchange of fire yet. And two NASA astronauts stuck aboard the International Space Station will have to stay there a few more months. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Aug. 26, 2024.
Israel strikes Hezbollah site in Lebanon; both sides claim victory
There are new concerns over the war in the Middle East expanding into a larger conflict after Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon had their biggest exchange of fire since the conflict broke out in the region ten months ago. Both sides are claiming victories.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, Israel launched what it described as “a preemptive strike” against a major attack that Hezbollah was planning to launch on Israeli soil. Israel said 100 of its military planes successfully took out thousands of “rocket launcher barrels,” and six Hezbollah fighters were killed.
Hours later, Israel’s missile defense system intercepted 300 rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah toward Israel. The Israel Defense Forces said one navy officer was killed after being hit by shrapnel when the Iron Dome was intercepting the drones.
In a televised address, Hezbollah’s leader called this a victory for their side, saying the attack was in retaliation for the recent assassination of one of its founders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this attack “will not be the final word.”
ISIS claims responsibility for deadly Germany stabbing attack
ISIS has now claimed responsibility for a deadly stabbing attack in Germany that happened during a festival Friday night, Aug. 23. A 26-year-old man from Syria has been arrested in connection with the attack.
Police said the man turned himself in for the knife attack that left three people dead, and eight others injured. Officials say the man has “radical Islamist beliefs” and “wanted to kill as many people as possible.”
ISIS said in a statement Saturday, Aug. 24, the man is “a soldier for the Islamic state” who was “targeting Christians” in his attack.
The festival was commemorating the 650th anniversary of the western German city of Solingen.
Harris, Trump campaigns to focus on battleground states this week
On the campaign trail, the 2024 candidates are focusing on battleground states this week. Vice President Kamala Harris will be launching a bus tour in southern Georgia and former President Donald Trump will hit multiple swing states.
On Monday, Aug. 26, Trump is set to address the National Guard Association’s conference in Detroit. He’s also slated to hold a rally in Michigan, a town hall in Wisconsin, and a rally in Pennsylvania.
This comes after both campaigns had big weeks last week.
Harris officially accepted her party’s nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, Aug. 22. The Harris campaign said they’ve raised $540 million in only a month since it launched.
While she hasn’t yet done a sit-down interview with the media since emerging as a presidential candidate, that will soon change. She is expected to sit down with her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to record their first joint interview next week.
NASA astronauts to stay on ISS until February
Two NASA astronauts who have been stuck on the International Space Station since June will have to stay there a few more months. On Saturday, the space agency decided it’s not safe enough for Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return to Earth in Boeing’s Starliner.
Concerns linger over multiple helium leaks and degraded thrusters. Instead, Wilmore and Williams will wait until February when SpaceX already has a mission to the ISS planned and will pick them up.
“Spaceflight is risky even at its safest,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “And so, the decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring the Boeing Starliner home uncrewed is a result of a commitment to safety.”
The decision means two of the four astronauts who were supposed to go to the ISS in February for the SpaceX mission will have to give up their seats so NASA’s astronauts can finally come home. They were originally only supposed to stay on the ISS for about a week.
Meanwhile, SpaceX is getting ready for a high-stakes mission Tuesday, Aug. 27. Private astronauts on the Polaris mission are set to attempt the first-ever commercial spacewalk.
Long Labor Day weekend travel expected to break records
We’re just days away from the unofficial end of summer and this Labor Day travel weekend is gearing up to be a busy one. The TSA predicts it will be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record.
AAA predicts the roads won’t be any less crowded, as gas prices are lower than last year.
If you are hitting the road, AAA said expect the heaviest traffic in the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, Aug. 30. For those traveling on Saturday, Aug. 31, AAA suggests departing in the afternoon for smoother traffic.
If you’re returning home on Sunday, Sept. 1, or Labor Day, Sept. 2, AAA said it’s best to leave as early as possible to avoid heavy afternoon traffic.
Babe Ruth’s 1932 ‘called shot’ jersey sells for record $24.12M
Almost a century after Babe Ruth called his shot during the 1932 World Series he’s made history again. More specifically, his jersey has.
Ruth’s famous “called shot” came as the Yankees and Chicago Cubs faced off in game three of the world series at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on October 1, 1932. In the fifth inning, Ruth made a pointing gesture while at bat and then hit the home run off Cubs pitcher Charlie Root, ultimately leading to the Yankees winning the World Series.
The jersey is now the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold at auction, according to MLB.com.
RFK Jr. suspends campaign and backs Trump as Kennedy siblings react
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy announced he is suspending his campaign on Friday, Aug. 23. The twist comes after many speculated that the third-party candidate would drop out of the race on Friday. However, RFK Jr. also threw his support behind former President Donald Trump.
“My name will remain on the ballot in most states,” Kennedy said. “If you live in a blue state, you can still vote for me without harming or helping President Trump or Vice President Harris.”
Although he’s not dropping out of the race, RFK Jr. said he is withdrawing his nomination from any swing state where he could have an impact.
“In about 10 battleground states, where my pressure would be a spoiler, I’m going to remove my name, and I’ve already started that process and urge voters to not vote for me,” Kennedy said.
RFK Jr. said his reasons for supporting Trump relate to the Republican candidate’s stance on the war in Ukraine, free speech and “the war on children.” Kennedy said he made his decision after a phone call with Trump shortly following the attempted assassination of the GOP nominee for president in July.
However, Kennedy said he believed that he would have won the presidential election in “an honest system.” He also claimed censorship and difficulties filing as a third-party candidate makes it nearly impossible to win. Kennedy has filed requests to be taken off the ballot in Arizona and Pennsylvania.
There was reaction to RFK Jr.’s decision almost immediately after he made his announcement, including from his siblings, who issued a statement following the endorsement of former President Trump.
“Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear,” the statement read. “It is a sad ending to a sad story.”
In the statement, the Kennedy siblings also expressed their support for Vice President Kamala Harris for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for vice president in 2024. As for former President Trump, he acknowledged the endorsement and thanked RFK Jr. for his support.
“I want to thank Bobby,” Trump said. “That was really nice.”
RFK Jr. withdraws from AZ ballot, sparking speculation of Trump alliance
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s sudden withdrawal from the Arizona presidential ballot sparked speculation about a potential alliance with Donald Trump. The move has the potential to reshape the 2024 presidential race.
Kennedy and his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, submitted notarized withdrawal letters to Arizona’s Secretary of State late Thursday, Aug. 22, just hours before the state’s ballot printing deadline.
Their withdrawal coincides with scheduled appearances by both RFK and Trump in the Phoenix area, intensifying speculation about his campaign’s future.
A super PAC supporting Kennedy reportedly explored the possibility of Kennedy endorsing Trump in exchange for a possible post in a future Trump administration.
This week, Shanahan said in an interview that the campaign was considering joining forces with Trump.
The former president expressed openness to Kennedy playing a role in his administration if endorsed. Trump told CNN he would be “honored” by Kennedy’s support but avoided any firm commitments.
“I like him a lot. I respect him a lot. I probably would if something like that would happen. He’s a very different kind of a guy; very smart guy. And yeah, I would be honored by that endorsement,” Trump said.
VP Kamala Harris formally accepts Democratic presidential nomination at DNC
Vice President Kamala Harris closed out the Democratic National Convention (DNC) by accepting her party’s nomination for president. And one of the largest diamonds ever found was just unearthed in Botswana. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.
VP Kamala Harris formally accepts Democratic presidential nomination at DNC
Vice President Kamala Harris has officially accepted her party’s nomination for president. The Democratic National Convention came to a close Thursday night, Aug. 22, after Harris addressed the crowd, laying out more of her policy vision for the nation and going after her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.
“I want you to know I promise to be a president for all Americans,” Harris said. “You can always trust me to put country above party and self. In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man. But the consequences, but the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious.”
During her speech, Harris vowed to create what she called an “opportunity economy.” She also reiterated her stance that Israel has a right to defend itself but pressed for a cease-fire deal and pledged to reform the U.S. immigration system.
When Harris turned her attention to the former president, she blamed Trump for Republicans voting against a bipartisan border bill, said he sent a mob to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and highlighted his now-criminal record.
“The biggest reaction is why didn’t she do the things she’s complaining about,” he questioned. “She could’ve done it three and a half years ago. She could do it tonight, by leaving the auditorium and going to Washington D.C. and closing the border. She doesn’t need a bill. I didn’t have a bill; I closed the border. She could still do them. She’s got four and a half to five months left.”
All eyes will be on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the third-party candidate, on Friday, Aug. 23, as he’s set to hold a press conference. The speculation is Kennedy will be dropping out of the presidential race and potentially endorsing Trump.
They had planned to march toward the convention center but were blocked by rows of police in riot gear.
#WATCH : More videos of Massive pro-Palestine protest engulfs DNC convention
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention, outraged over Dems' backing for Israel in the Gaza war.
The group of about 40 unconfirmed delegates and supporters spent Wednesday night, Aug. 21, outside the United Center on the sidewalk and remained there until after 8 p.m. Thursday before finally going back inside to the convention.
Supreme Court allows Arizona to enforce proof-of-citizenship law
The United States Supreme Court agreed to temporarily reinstate a portion of a 2022 Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship when people register to vote. In a 5-4 ruling, the high court gave a partial victory to Republicans who have been trying to enforce proof of citizenship as a requirement to cast a vote in November.
While the justices ruled the state can enforce the requirement of proof of citizenship to vote using the state’s registration form, the court turned down other requests that would bar voters who registered using a federal form or by mail unless they showed proof of citizenship.
This is only a temporary ruling while litigation continues. So, it’s unclear as of now if, come November, voters in the state will have to show documentation they’re a legal resident to cast a ballot.
Canadian government orders arbitration to end rail labor dispute
The Canadian government has intervened in a labor dispute involving thousands of freight train workers. The deadlock on workers’ contract negotiations could have led to a major economic disruption, impacting goods coming into the United States.
The trains are expected to resume running in a few days.
FDA approves updated COVID vaccines
The FDA has approved updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. This puts the new shots on track to reach most Americans within days.
Today, we approved and granted emergency use authorization for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. https://t.co/pul33IEnIw
These shots target a strain called KP.2, which was the dominant COVID strain in May when a summer surge of the virus began, but now only accounts for roughly 3% of all U.S. cases, according to the CDC. Still, Pfizer and Moderna said their KP.2 vaccines can produce stronger immune responses against other circulating sub-variants than last year’s shots.
Second largest diamond ever found is discovered in Botswana
The second largest diamond ever found was just unearthed in Botswana, according to the Canadian mining company that discovered the gem in one of its mines in Africa. The massive, 2,492-carat diamond is the biggest to be found in more than a century and it was located using X-ray technology.
The mining company presented Botswana’s president with the huge stone on Thursday, Aug. 22. The diamond will be evaluated over the next several weeks and will likely sell for tens of millions of dollars.
The colossal stone is believed to be the biggest one found since a 3,106-carat diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905 and cut into smaller stones — some of which make up the British royal family’s crown jewels.
Gov. Walz accepts VP nomination, tells Democrats to ‘leave it on the field’
Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to address the Democratic National Convention (DNC) Thursday, Aug. 22 night, just hours after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz formally accepted the party’s nomination for vice president. And former President Donald Trump appeared behind bulletproof glass in his first outdoor rally since his attempted assassination. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024
Gov. Walz accepts VP nomination, tells Democrats to ‘leave it on the field’
Thursday, Aug. 22, is the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to officially accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for president during a primetime speech.
On Wednesday night, Aug. 21, her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, officially accepted the nod for vice president. During his keynote speech, Walz introduced himself to the American people with what he described as a “pep talk” like those he used to give during his time as a high school teacher and football coach.
“It’s the fourth quarter, we’re down a field goal, but we’re on offense and we’ve got the ball,” he said of Harris’ campaign. “We’re driving down the field, and boy, do we have the right team…There’ll be time to sleep when you’re dead. We’re going to leave it on the field.”
In his address, Walz spoke of his record as Minnesota’s governor, comparing his policies to that of Republican-led states.
“Other states were banning books from their schools; we were banishing hunger from ours,” Walz said. “We also protected reproductive freedom, because in Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and the personal choices they make. Even if we wouldn’t make those same choices for ourselves, we’ve got a golden rule: Mind your own damn business.”
Before Walz took the stage Wednesday, some of the biggest A-listers and veteran party leaders gave speeches to rally up the base. Former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Oprah Winfrey were among those who addressed the crowd.
“Let us choose loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to any individual because that’s the best of America,” Winfrey said. “And let us choose optimism over cynicism and let us include inclusion over retribution.”
Harris will close out the convention Thursday, Aug. 22 night, with the last night’s theme being “for our future.”
Meanwhile former President Donald Trump will visit the border in Arizona on Thursday. His running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, will campaign in Georgia.
Trump appears behind bulletproof glass for outdoor rally in North Carolina
On Wednesday, Aug, 21, former President Trump held his first outdoor rally since the assassination attempt on his life in July in Butler, Pennsylvania. The appearance came with an added layer of security.
A wall of bulletproof glass surrounded the podium as Trump and Vance addressed supporters in the battleground state of North Carolina. Their focus was on national security.
President Trump leaves the bulletproof glass protecting him to check on a supporter in the crowd who passed out.
At the same time, lawmakers continued their search into what went wrong on July 13 when Trump was shot in the ear during that assassination attempt. A bipartisan congressional task force met remotely with the FBI to discuss progress in the agency’s investigation.
RFK Jr. expected to drop out of 2024 race, endorse Trump
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to suspend his campaign by the end of the week. Kennedy is set to give a speech Friday, Aug. 23, on his “path forward” in the 2024 election during an event in Arizona.
This comes just days after his running mate said Kennedy has two options left: stay in the race or drop out and back former President Trump. It’s speculated Kennedy will announce his endorsement of Trump during the same speech on Friday — possibly in a joint appearance with the former president, who will also be campaigning in Arizona that day.
JD Vance has confirmed there’s been “a lot of communication back and forth” between the campaigns but nothing is set in stone.
5 bodies recovered after yacht sinks off coast of Sicily
2nd US Navy aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East amid Iran threat
A second U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, has arrived in the Middle East. It joins the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which was stationed in the area after Iran threatened to attack Israel in retaliation for a deadly strike on a top Hamas leader in Tehran on July 31.
The U.S. military’s Central Command shared video of F-35 jets taking off from the Lincoln’s deck on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), equipped with F-35C and F/A-18 Block III fighters, entered the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility.
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, is accompanied by Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 and… pic.twitter.com/RKoJQshigR
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the Lincoln, as well as the guided missile submarine the USS Georgia, to the region earlier this month as tensions remain high over an expected attack by Iran on Israel following the killings of top Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. The Lincoln and Georgia add to the U.S. ships already in the area, including eight destroyers.
These military moves come as President Joe Biden stressed on a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday the urgent need to conclude talks on a cease-fire and hostage release plan. The White House said the president pointed to the upcoming discussions in Cairo as “crucial.”
Taylor Swift breaks her silence on canceled Vienna shows
Taylor Swift has broken her silence following the foiled terrorist plot that resulted in the cancellation of her Eras tour shows in Vienna, Austria. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Aug. 21, Swift reflected on the end of the European leg of her tour.
She posted several images from various shows in Europe along with a caption which read in part, “Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating. The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows. But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives.”
Swift went on to say, “Let me be very clear: I am not going to speak about something publicly if I think doing so might provoke those who would want to harm the fans who come to my shows. In cases like this one, ‘silence’ is actually showing restraint, and waiting to express yourself at a time when it’s right to. My priority was finishing our European tour safely, and it is with great relief that I can say we did that.”
Swift added she was heartened by the love and unity she saw in her fans who banded together.
Fmr. President Obama rallies support for Harris at Night 2 of DNC
Former President Barack Obama headlined night two of the DNC, rallying support behind Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. And Russian officials say Moscow came under the largest attack by Ukrainian drones since the war began over two years ago. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
Former President Obama rallies support for Harris at Night 2 of DNC
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will formally accept the nomination for vice president at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago Wednesday night. Among those set to speak on night three of the DNC is former President Bill Clinton.
Tuesday, Aug. 20, was a night of Democratic Party star power — including speeches from the Obamas.
Former President Barack Obama closed out the night by rallying up the crowd and throwing his full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris while speaking out against her opponent, former President Donald Trump.
“We do not need four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos,” Obama said. “We have seen that movie before, and we all know that the sequel is usually worse. America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris.”
Her running mate, Gov. Walz, will headline night three with a primetime speech Wednesday night.
Running mate says RFK Jr. can stay in the race or back Trump
Former President Donald Trump is continuing a rally blitz across battleground states. He spent Tuesday, Aug. 20, campaigning in Michigan with an emphasis on crime and inflation.
On Wednesday, Trump will join his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, in North Carolina.
This comes as it looks like Trump could potentially pick up an endorsement from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan. Shanahan said on a podcast they have two options: stay in the race or join forces with Trump to avoid a Kamala Harris presidency.
RFK Jr. has yet to comment on this direction of his campaign, but said Tuesday he is open to talks with other political parties with similar goals.
A CNN reporter asked Trump whether he would consider RFK Jr. for a spot in his administration following the news of the potential endorsement. Trump said he is open to the idea.
Matt Gaetz defeats McCarthy-backed candidate in Florida primary
McCarthy and his allies had targeted Gaetz as well as three other Republicans who voted to oust him from the speakership late last year.
McCarthy did claim one win — helping to defeat House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good, R, in Virginia earlier this summer. However, South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace and Arizona Rep. Eli Crane won each of their races despite the opposition from McCarthy.
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez officially resigns after bribery conviction
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, D, has officially resigned. Tuesday, Aug, 20, was his last day in office.
It comes just over a month after a jury convicted him on federal bribery charges.
The state’s Democratic governor is tapping former top aide George Helmy to succeed the three-term incumbent until the November election results for the Senate seat are certified. It’s a high stakes race, with Democrats holding a narrow majority in the Senate.
Russia says it fought off Ukraine’s largest drone attack yet on Moscow
Russian officials said they shot down at least 12 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow late Aug. 20 night and early Aug. 21 morning, local time. Russia said it was part of one of the largest drone attacks since the Russia-Ukraine War began in 2022.
While it’s not clear how many drones were launched in total, Russia said it took out more than 45 over various regions.
The attacks come as Russia is advancing in eastern Ukraine while also trying to fight off Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region — which is the biggest foreign attack on Russian territory since World War II.
Federal judge blocks FTC’s rule banning noncompete agreements
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) plan to ban noncompete agreements in the workplace is no longer happening — at least for now. On Tuesday, Aug. 20, a federal judge in Texas blocked the new rule that would have made it easier for employees to quit a job and go work for a competitor or start a competing business.
The judge ruled the FTC “exceeded its statutory authority” in making its decision back in April and said the ban would cause irreparable harm. The FTC has previously said noncompete agreements restrict workers’ freedoms and suppress wages.
The rule was to take effect on Sept. 4. An FTC spokesperson said the agency is considering appealing the judge’s decision.
RFK Jr. campaign looks at 2 options: Drop out or ‘join forces with Trump’
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is struggling both financially and in the polls. According to financial reports, the Kennedy campaign spent $7 million in July, but only railed $5.6 million. Now he’s left with just $3.9 million in the bank, and $3.5 million in debt.
Kennedy’s polling has also become an issue. Last November, Kennedy had about 16.7% support nationally, now he’s down to around 4.5%, according to Real Clear Politics poll averages.
Polls appear to show his public image also declining, with the public having a favorable view of him until mid-May. Now, Kennedy’s approval rating is a net -7.4%.
He’s also fighting to appear on several state ballots. In New York, he’s appealing a judge’s ruling that kicked him off the ballot because of what the court called “a sham,” residency claim.
He’s also facing similar challenges in Georgia. Critics accuse RFK Jr. of trying to use fake addresses to secure his place on the ballot.
His inner circle even appears to be looking at an exit strategy, with his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, saying the campaign is looking at two options: Drop out of the race entirely, or “join forces” with former President Donald Trump.
Shanahan also stated that there is a third option, they may stay in the race and try to get more than 5% of the vote. That would all be in an attempt to establish themselves as a third-party alternative for the 2028 election.
Kennedy has not made a public campaign appearance since early July. In recent weeks, it has been reported that he’s sought positions in potential administrations.