February 2024 in Review
February 2024 in Review
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Federal Appeals Court Rejects Absolute Immunity Claim
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February 2024 in Review
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Ronna McDaniel Resigns from R.N.C.
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February 2024 in Review
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Tom Suozzi (D) wins NY's 3rd Congressional District
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February 2024 in Review
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Israeli Raid in Rafah
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February 2024 in Review
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Birmingham Health System Pauses I.V.F. Procedures
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February 2024 in Review
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U.S. Vetoes Security Council Cease-Fire Resolution
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February 2024 in Review
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Gov. Murphy unveils $55.9 billion budget
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February 2024 in Review
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Trump Defeats Haley in Michigan
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February 2024 in Review
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Mitch McConnell to step down as Senate minority leader
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New Congressional Maps in New York
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February 2024 in Review 📰 Federal Appeals Court Rejects Absolute Immunity Claim 📰 February 2024 in Review 📰 Ronna McDaniel Resigns from R.N.C. 📰 February 2024 in Review 📰 Tom Suozzi (D) wins NY's 3rd Congressional District 📰 February 2024 in Review 📰 Israeli Raid in Rafah 📰 February 2024 in Review 📰 Birmingham Health System Pauses I.V.F. Procedures 📰 February 2024 in Review 📰 U.S. Vetoes Security Council Cease-Fire Resolution 📰 February 2024 in Review 📰 Gov. Murphy unveils $55.9 billion budget 📰 February 2024 in Review 📰 Trump Defeats Haley in Michigan 📰 February 2024 in Review 📰 Mitch McConnell to step down as Senate minority leader 📰 New Congressional Maps in New York 📰
2/7 - Federal Appeals Court Rejects Trump's Claim of Absolute Immunity
A federal appeals court rejected Donald Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution regarding his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. This unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit demanded that Trump face trial on criminal charges. The decision was notable not only for its immediate impact on Trump, who is attempting to secure the Republican presidential nomination, but also for addressing an unprecedented question: whether a former president can be held accountable by the criminal justice system for actions taken while in office.
The court's ruling emphasized that the privileges associated with the presidency do not extend to immunity from federal criminal laws post-tenure, arguing that such immunity would disrupt the nation's constitutional framework by indefinitely placing a president above the law. This landmark ruling came amid Trump's anticipation of appealing to the Supreme Court.
2/13 -Tom Suozzi (D) wins NY's 3rd Congressional District
In a closely watched special election, Democrat Tom Suozzi reclaimed New York's 3rd Congressional District seat from Republicans, marking a significant moment for the Democrats as they aimed to narrow the House's slim Republican majority. The victory took place in a district that has been leaning right since Suozzi last held the seat in 2020, sending a strong signal of Democratic momentum ahead of a critical election year. Campaigning on a platform that critiqued both extreme partisanship and emphasized problem-solving, Suozzi's win demonstrated the value of compromise and centrism to the electorate.
2/21 - University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System Pauses I.V.F. Procedures
The University of Alabama at Birmingham health system temporarily halted its in vitro fertilization treatments following a controversial decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that dictates frozen embryos should be regarded as children. This pause reflected the institution's concerns over the legal implications for patients and physicians, who might face criminal prosecutions under the new interpretation of the law. While egg retrievals continued, the process of egg fertilization and embryo development was paused, significantly impacting patients seeking fertility treatments.
This ruling, which emerged from cases involving the destruction of embryos, invokes the anti-abortion language in Alabama's Constitution, extending the definition of "children" to include "unborn" and "extrauterine children."
2/28 - Gov. Murphy unveils $55.9 billion budget
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey proposed a $55.9 billion budget that included a significant increase in business taxes for the state's largest companies to secure funding for its struggling mass transit system. Despite breaking his pledge not to raise taxes, Murphy's administration defended the decision as a response to changed economic circumstances and aimed to balance responsible budgeting with affordability. The proposal included a new Corporate Transit Fee, targeting around 600 businesses with profits over $10 million, which is expected to face significant opposition from the business community and could impact Murphy's political landscape, including the campaign of his wife, Tammy Murphy.
The budget also proposed tax and fee increases to boost state revenues and fund key priorities, including the StayNJ property tax relief program and the ANCHOR property tax rebate program. With a $6.1 billion surplus in the budget proposal, the administration is looking to fully fund the school aid formula for the first time, demonstrating a commitment to education. However, the proposed tax increases drew criticism from Republicans and concern from school districts facing potential aid reductions.
2/7 - Ronna McDaniel, R.N.C. Chairwoman, Announces Resignation
Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, planned to step down after the South Carolina primary on February 24, amidst pressure from allies of former President Donald Trump and concerns within Trump's camp regarding the R.N.C.'s financial state as the general election cycle begins. Donald Trump is expected to endorse Michael Whatley, the head of the North Carolina G.O.P. and a staunch supporter of his unsubstantiated election fraud claims, as McDaniel's successor.
2/13 - Israeli Raid in Rafah
Israeli special operations forces rescued two hostages held by Hamas amidst a broader wave of attacks in the city that, according to Gazan health officials, resulted in the deaths of at least 67 Palestinians. The raid sparked both relief in Israel and heightened tensions and grief in Rafah. The anticipation of an Israeli ground invasion, coupled with the escalating military actions, escalated fears among the over a million Palestinians taking refuge in the city.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated preparations for Israeli ground forces to enter Rafah to dismantle Hamas battalions, a move that has ignited international concerns over civilian safety. The scale of the operation and the casualties underscored Netanyahu's commitment to continuing an offensive in the south despite international calls, including from the United States, to minimize civilian harm and destruction.
This military operation and the ongoing conflict exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where shortages of food, clean water, and medicine are becoming increasingly dire. The United Nations has warned that further military advancements into Rafah could worsen the situation for civilians, stressing the absence of any safe location in Gaza amidst the conflict.
2/21 - U.S. Vetoes Security Council Cease-Fire Resolution
The United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, marking the third time it has used its veto power against resolutions aimed at halting the fighting. The U.S. justified its decision by stating that the resolution could jeopardize ongoing negotiations for a hostage release and a temporary cease-fire. The veto emphasized the U.S.'s isolated position in its support of Israel amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas, which has led to a significant civilian death toll and intensified international scrutiny over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The veto sparked criticism from international diplomats and aid organizations, highlighting the urgency of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
2/28 - Trump Defeats Haley in Michigan
Donald Trump secured another win in the Republican presidential primary election in Michigan, marking his sixth consecutive victory. Trump's triumph over Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, emphasized his stronghold on the Republican base as he moved closer to a potential rematch against President Biden in the general election.
2/29 - New congressional maps approved in New York
The New York Legislature finalized a new set of congressional maps for the state's 26 seats, concluding a redistricting process that began over four years ago. Despite some bipartisan support, the revisions fall short of the sweeping Democratic gerrymander many had anticipated. The adjustments were celebrated for their potential to make six House races highly competitive in the upcoming November elections. Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to sign the bill, which could end a prolonged legal and legislative battle over the state's district lines.
2/29 - McConnell to step down as the Senate Republican leader in November
Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history, announced his decision to step down from his leadership role in November. This decision marked the end of nearly two decades of influence that saw the party's transition from traditional conservatism to the populist approach led by Donald Trump. McConnell's tenure included reshaping the Supreme Court, tax reforms, and the controversial stance on Trump's false claims about the 2020 election. Despite health concerns and internal party tensions, McConnell planned to continue serving his Senate term.
