The Supreme Court of the United States is set to hear a case that could have significant implications for both intimate partner violence (IPV) and gun violence. The case, United States v. Rahimi, will challenge the constitutionality of a federal law that prohibits individuals subject to a domestic violence protection order from possessing firearms. This law has been in effect for nearly 30 years and has been proven to reduce domestic homicides. However, the Court's decision in this case could potentially impact almost every type of gun control law.

The crux of the issue lies in the Court's recent jurisprudence, known as "originalism," which requires a historical analogy from the time of the Constitution's framing to uphold the constitutionality of laws regulating firearm possession. This departure from traditional constitutional jurisprudence has led to uncertainty regarding the validity of existing gun control laws.

The case involves Zackey Rahimi, who was granted a protective order after assaulting his girlfriend and threatening to shoot her. Rahimi's argument rests on the claim that he had not been convicted of a crime at the time, thus his Second Amendment rights were violated without due process.

The Supreme Court's decision in this case will have far-reaching implications for the ongoing crises of intimate partner violence and gun violence in the United States. It remains to be seen how the Court will interpret and apply its originalist approach in this key case.

A recent exit poll in Ohio reveals that a year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, voters in Ohio still have strong opinions on the issue. The preliminary results show that roughly 6 in 10 voters express negative feelings about the court's decision, with about 4 in 10 calling themselves outright angry about it. The poll also found that about 3 in 10 voters believe abortion should be legal in all cases, while about a tenth believe it should never be legal.

In addition, the poll showed a divide between voters on the two abortion-related measures on the ballot. Issue 1 seeks to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution, and Issue 2 would legalize and regulate recreational marijuana. The majority of the electorate favors legal abortion, with roughly 3 in 10 saying it should be legal in all cases and about a third saying it should be legal in most cases. However, the margin between Democrats and Republicans on the issue is only single-digit.

These results highlight the ongoing division among Ohio voters regarding abortion rights. While some are angry about the overturn of Roe v. Wade and support Issue 1, others remain opposed to legalizing abortion in all circumstances.

The investigation into the death of Paul Kessler, a Jewish man who was injured during dueling Israeli and Palestinian rallies in California, is ongoing. Kessler died after a physical altercation with counter-protestors, but authorities have not yet classified the incident as a hate crime. Witnesses say that Kessler was struck in the head by a megaphone held by a pro-Palestinian demonstrator. The suspect, who remained at the scene and called 911 for medical help, has been cooperative with authorities. However, conflicting accounts from witnesses have made it difficult to determine exactly what led to Kessler's fall and subsequent death. Ventura County officials are urging the public to come forward with any photos, videos, or tips related to the incident.

The Israel-Hamas war has sparked demonstrations across the United States, with thousands of people protesting Israel's intense retaliation for the Hamas attacks. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, including civilians and soldiers. As the investigation into Kessler's death continues, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has expressed sympathy for his family and is awaiting more information from law enforcement.

The United Nations Security Council failed to reach an agreement on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war as the death toll in Gaza surpassed 10,000. Israeli troops have been engaged in a week-long battle with Palestinian militants in Gaza, resulting in the territory being cut in half and the encirclement of Gaza City. The situation has led to severe shortages of essential supplies, including food, medicine, fuel, and water.

According to the Health Ministry of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, the death toll includes over 4,100 minors, with more than 2,300 people still missing and believed to be buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings. Israel claims that most of those killed are fighters, not civilians, while Palestinian authorities do not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

On the Israeli side, approximately 1,400 people, mostly civilians, have died since the incursion by Hamas on October 7. Israelis observed a moment of silence on Tuesday to honor the victims.

While Israel has vowed to remove Hamas from power and eliminate its military capabilities, the international community remains uncertain about what would come next. The United States, Israel's main ally, has endorsed Israel's right to defend itself but has also called for a pause in the fighting.

As the conflict enters its second month, aid workers and officials fear that Israel's call for an evacuation of the northern part of Gaza could lead to a humanitarian disaster. Despite these concerns, Israel continues to assert its right to defend itself, while humanitarian groups urge a ceasefire and the international community struggles to find a solution.

The House voted to advance a resolution to censure Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib after a failed attempt to block the measure. The resolution, introduced by Georgia GOP Rep. Rich McCormick, accused Tlaib of making remarks critical of Israel and in support of Palestinians during Israel's war against Hamas. The vote was 208 to 213, with six Republicans joining Democrats to table the measure. A second censure resolution from Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is also expected to be considered. Tlaib defended herself, arguing that the censure attempts were an effort to silence her and that her criticism of the Israeli government should not be conflated with antisemitism. She delivered an emotional speech on the House floor, emphasizing the importance of criticizing governments and expressing concern over the dangerous precedent set by equating criticism of the Israeli government with antisemitism. Tlaib received support from Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar during her speech. The resolution accuses Tlaib of promoting false narratives about the Hamas attack on Israel and calling for the destruction of the state of Israel. Tlaib's use of the phrase "from the river to the sea" has also sparked controversy, with supporters of Israel viewing it as antisemitic and a call to destroy the country.

Capitol Police arrested a gunman outside the Senate office buildings in Washington, DC on November 7, 2023. The armed man, who was reportedly carrying an AR-15 rifle, was taken into custody in a park across from Union Station. According to Capitol Police, there is no ongoing threat at this time. They are working to gather more information about the suspect and investigating his belongings as a precautionary measure.

This incident follows a pro-Palestinian rally in Washington, DC on Saturday, during which tensions remained high on the US Capitol complex. Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched and later swarmed the White House, chanting slogans and protesting against the president's support of Israel.

Earlier, Capitol Police had also alerted members, staff, and the press about a suspicious package in the Upper Senate Park, north of the US Capitol building. They advised everyone to avoid the area until further notice.

In a separate incident, two men crashed a stolen car into a barricade outside the Capitol on November 5. During their arrest, police recovered two handguns, one of which was modified to turn into a machine gun. The suspects are facing multiple charges.

Capitol Police have confiscated more than 30 guns so far this year.

Chicago voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to authorize the City Council to raise the real estate transfer tax on high-end property sales in order to address the growing problem of homelessness. The binding referendum, known as "Bring Chicago Home," will appear on the March ballot following a 32-to-17 vote by the City Council. This comes as the city has struggled to spend the hundreds of millions of dollars it has received for housing and serving the homeless.

Ald. Ray Lopez argued against the referendum, stating that the city should show it knows how to effectively use the funds it already has before asking for more. However, Ald. Maria Hadden countered that many city departments have been working hard to address homelessness and that claiming the city isn't doing anything is a slap in the face to these public servants.

This vote sets the stage for a contentious battle between Mayor Brandon Johnson's progressive coalition, which includes homeless advocates, and the business and real estate communities. The referendum aims to confront the issue of homelessness, which has affected 12% of the population since 2019, with Black Chicagoans making up nearly 70% of the unhoused population. The outcome of the March vote will determine whether the real estate transfer tax will be increased to support efforts to combat homelessness in Chicago.

In a surprising turn of events, Steve Zappala has been reelected as the district attorney of Allegheny County. Despite losing the Democratic primary, Zappala ran as a Republican and secured enough write-in votes to become the party's nominee in the general election. He went on to defeat progressive Democrat Matt Dugan in a rematch of the primary.

During the campaign, Zappala emphasized his record as district attorney and dismissed his opponent as having out-of-state financial support. He positioned himself as a non-politician who prioritized the well-being of the county over party affiliations.

Zappala's victory raises questions about the role of political parties in local elections and the importance of party loyalty for voters. Will this outcome lead to more candidates running as independents or switching parties in future elections? And what does it mean for the future of the Democratic Party in Allegheny County?

The election also marked a historic moment for women in Pennsylvania, with Cherelle Parker becoming the first female mayor of Philadelphia and Sara Innamorato becoming the executive of Allegheny County. These victories highlight a growing trend of women assuming leadership positions in local government.

Overall, Zappala's re-election as district attorney has raised interesting questions about party politics and the changing landscape of local elections.

A massive fire broke out early Tuesday morning, engulfing the historic north blimp hangar in Tustin, Orange County. The hangar, which dates back to World War II, was one of two constructed by the military for the Tustin Naval Air Station.

The fire was so intense that helicopters were deployed to drop water on the structure, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Due to the danger of collapse, firefighters made the decision to let the flames weaken the mostly wooden hangar before intervening.

Constructed mainly from Oregon Douglas fir, each hangar measures at least 17 stories high, 1,088 feet long, 297 feet wide, covering nearly 300,000 square feet. They are considered among the world's largest free-standing wooden structures and were listed in the Register of National Historic Places.

These hangars housed 12 blimps during WWII, armed with machine guns and bombs for submarine patrol. Plans to convert the site into a regional park had been abandoned in 2021, following concerns about structural damage.

Firefighters are still battling the blaze, which has raised concerns that the hangar may completely collapse. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Virginia's closely watched legislative campaign cycle came to a close on Tuesday as voters decided whether to give Republicans full state government control or allow Democrats to serve as a bulwark against Gov. Glenn Youngkin's agenda. This election is being closely scrutinized nationwide for hints of what may come in the 2024 presidential cycle.

Virginia is the only Southern state that has not put further restrictions on abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The outcome of this election could determine whether Virginia follows suit or maintains its current stance. For Republicans to pass legislation restricting abortion, they would need to hold both chambers, while Democrats are aiming to retake control of the House and maintain their hold on the Senate.

The latest figures on voter turnout in several Virginia counties indicate that turnout is relatively high. In Loudoun County, approximately 38% of registered voters turned out by late afternoon, while Fairfax County saw a turnout of around 33.4%. In Prince William County, more than 10% of registered voters cast their votes in person on Election Day, and Arlington County had a turnout of 35%.

With new district boundaries in place due to redistricting, predicting the results of this election has become more complicated, as many incumbents are running in races with unfamiliar constituents. The final outcome and which party will control the Virginia General Assembly may not be known for a few days, as mail-in votes are counted in tight races.

Despite being a vocal advocate for tougher gun laws since her daughter was killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting, Kimberly Mata-Rubio lost her bid for mayor in Uvalde, Texas. The special election saw former mayor Cody Smith elected with a nearly two-thirds majority. Mata-Rubio earned 33% of the votes.

The race tested the mood of the town, still reeling from one of America's deadliest mass shootings and a botched police response that is currently under investigation. The shooting took the lives of 19 children and two teachers.

Mata-Rubio campaigned on a platform of unifying the community and pushing for stricter gun laws. She has advocated for new restrictions and testified before Congress on the issue. She has also launched a nonprofit called "Lives Robbed" to push for stricter gun control.

Smith, on the other hand, focused his campaign on bringing the community together but did not address the failures of the police response to the shooting. He previously served two terms as mayor more than a decade ago and is currently an executive at a local bank.

The election results disappointed Mata-Rubio, but she remains determined to fight for accountability and transparency in honor of her daughter. Smith will finish out the term of the current mayor and the mayoral seat will be up for election again in November 2024.

Authorities in Ventura County are investigating the involvement of a Moorpark man in the death of a Jewish man at a protest in Thousand Oaks on Sunday. The man, who is in his 50s, has not been arrested or publicly named. Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff announced during a news conference that the man's home was searched on Monday but he has not been taken into custody. The victim, Paul Kessler, 69, was holding an Israeli flag near a gas station when he was involved in an altercation with another protester. He fell during the altercation and was taken to the hospital where he later died. An autopsy revealed that Kessler suffered non-lethal injuries to his face and injuries to the back of his head caused by a fall. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking for anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward.

Sources:

- Ventura County Star: Authorities investigate Moorpark man believed tied to Jewish man's death after TO protest

- FOX News Network: No arrests made and no name given during news conference Tuesday morning

- LA Times: Hundreds of pro-Palestinians rally at Israeli Consulate in L.A., calling for end to invasion of Gaza

Former White House aide Gabe Amo is projected to win the special election for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District, according to CNN. If this holds true, Amo would be the first Black person to represent the state in Congress. Amo, the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, defeated Republican Gerry Leonard Jr. in the race to succeed former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline. Amo had previously worked in both the Obama and Biden administrations and won a crowded Democratic primary in September. He received endorsements from prominent Democrats during the campaign, including former Rep. Patrick Kennedy and former White House chief of staff Ron Klain. The 1st District, which covers the eastern part of the state, has not had a Republican representative since 1995. With Amo's win, only one US House seat remains vacant - Utah's 2nd District, which Republicans are expected to hold in a special election on November 21.

The House of Representatives is set to vote on a GOP-sponsored measure to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) for her comments in response to the war between Israel and Hamas. The resolution accuses Tlaib of promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel.

Tlaib's comments have sparked controversy, with many members from both parties criticizing her remarks. One of the comments in question is a post on the social media site X, in which Tlaib shared a video featuring a Palestinian slogan that has been called antisemitic.

Republicans advanced the measure to censure Tlaib on Tuesday, rejecting a motion to set aside the resolution. Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, has defended her comments, stating that she is exercising freedom of speech and calling for a cease-fire.

The final vote on censuring Tlaib is scheduled for Wednesday. It remains to be seen whether enough support will be garnered to pass the resolution.

Ohio voters have sent a clear message to statehouse Republicans by passing Issue 1, an abortion amendment that enshrines reproductive rights in the state constitution. Despite the efforts of conservative leaders to fight against the amendment, it was ultimately approved with a majority vote.

Statehouse Republicans had attempted to make passing amendments to the state constitution more difficult by requiring 60% voter approval instead of a simple majority. However, the people of Ohio proved their commitment to reproductive rights by voting in favor of Issue 1.

This victory for abortion rights is significant, as it effectively blocks the enactment of a six-week abortion ban that had been looming over Ohio families for years. The "Heartbeat" law, which would have banned abortions as soon as doctors detected cardiac activity, is now unable to be enforced.

Public polling consistently showed that a majority of voters support a woman's right to choose, especially given the extreme nature of the "Heartbeat" law. This outcome signifies that Ohio may not be as "red" as Republicans have thought, and that the people are ready to protect reproductive freedom.

The successful passage of Issue 1 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of advocacy groups like Ohioans United for Reproductive Freedom. Despite the opposition from Republican leaders and their efforts to stymie the amendment, the coalition was able to overcome these obstacles and secure a victory for reproductive rights.

Overall, the passage of Issue 1 in Ohio is a significant win for abortion rights and demonstrates that the people of Ohio are ready to protect and defend reproductive freedom.

New details have emerged regarding the death of a Jewish man during a confrontation with pro-Palestinian demonstrators at a rally in Thousand Oaks, California. Paul Kessler, 69, died as a result of injuries sustained on Sunday at the event. Authorities believe that Kessler was involved in an altercation with the pro-Palestinian demonstrators, which led to him falling and hitting his head on the ground. The nature of the altercation is still under investigation, but some reports suggest that Kessler was struck in the head with a megaphone. Ventura County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Kessler's injuries were consistent with a fall, including a skull fracture and bruising and swelling to the brain. While the death has been deemed a homicide, this does not automatically indicate that a crime was committed. The suspect, a 50-year-old man, has been detained and questioned, but no arrests have been made. The incident has prompted a response from various community organizations and leaders, calling for a thorough investigation and condemning violence and antisemitism.

A massive fire broke out early Tuesday morning, engulfing the historic north blimp hangar in Tustin, Orange County. The hangar, a landmark dating back to World War II, was part of the now-defunct Tustin Naval Air Station. In an effort to combat the intense blaze, officials used helicopters to drop water on the large structure. The cause of the fire, which started at 1 a.m., has not yet been determined.

Due to the size and complexity of the fire, firefighters plan to let the flames collapse the mostly wooden hangar before attempting to extinguish the fire. The hangar, one of two on the site, housed 12 blimps that were used for submarine patrol during the war. It is considered one of the world's largest free-standing wooden structures and is listed on the Register of National Historic Places.

Firefighters are currently stationed outside the hangar, placing their units strategically to direct water into the structure. They are prepared for the building to collapse and are located in safe positions. Nearby structures are being protected as firefighters work to contain the fire, battling it from both the ground and the air.

The base had been closed since 1991, and plans to develop the site into a regional park fell through in 2021.

According to a recent New York Times/Siena College poll, Donald Trump is leading Joe Biden in five of six key swing states, causing concern among the Democratic establishment. The poll shows that Trump has a modest lead among Hispanic voters and a slight lead among voters under 30, while also indicating a significant increase in African-American support for Trump compared to previous Republican candidates. This shift in support is surprising and has led some analysts to suggest that Biden should step down or wake up to the realities of the current political landscape. However, it is important to remember that polling predictions this far in advance of an election can often change drastically over time. For instance, Gallup predicted an eight-point loss for President Obama a year before his reelection, yet he ended up winning by a wide margin. Similar forecasts of doom for President Biden were made a year before the 2022 midterms, and yet his party performed better than expected. While the recent polling numbers may be cause for concern for the Biden campaign, it is still too early to determine his chances of success in a potential rematch against Trump.

On November 7, Ohio voters will have the opportunity to vote on Issue 1, a ballot initiative that aims to establish abortion rights in the state's constitution. While proponents argue that it protects women's reproductive freedom, Ohio Democrats should carefully consider the consequences of voting "yes" on Issue 1. If enacted, this initiative would nullify Ohio's current law that allows abortion up to 22 weeks and replace it with the most radical abortion law in the country, allowing for late-term abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy.

One concern for pro-choice Democrats is the potential disregard for science. Late-term abortion, as allowed by Issue 1, would go against scientific evidence that unborn children are capable of feeling pain. Moreover, Issue 1 would remove health and safety protections for women seeking abortion, potentially exposing them to unlicensed providers who could endanger their lives.

Not only is Issue 1 out of step with most Democrats, but it is also out of step with a majority of Americans. According to a recent survey, 76% of Americans support significant restrictions on abortion, including limiting it to the first trimester.

Ohio Democrats, whether pro-choice or pro-life, must carefully consider the impact of Issue 1 and reject it. Protecting women's reproductive rights should not come at the expense of endangering lives and disregarding scientific evidence.

In the Kentucky General Election, all eyes are on whether Democrats can secure more wins beyond Governor Andy Beshear's victories. Republicans have dominated statewide elections for the past decade, with only three Democratic wins during that time. Many in the GOP believe that regardless of Beshear's outcome, this could be the end of the state Democratic Party. Therefore, it is crucial to watch if any Democrat, not named Beshear, can secure a win. One of the races drawing attention is Republican Daniel Cameron's bid for Kentucky governor. Backed by Donald Trump, Cameron seeks to tie Beshear to President Joe Biden and has attacked him on various issues such as Covid-19 restrictions and transgender medical treatments for children. If Cameron wins, he will become Kentucky's first black governor. Another significant race is taking place in Ohio, where voters are deciding whether to enshrine abortion protections, which allow individuals to make and carry out their reproductive decisions, into the state constitution. This election serves as an indicator of the national mood ahead of the 2024 presidential election and provides insight into Democrats' strength in key states.

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Israel has announced that its troops have entered the heart of Gaza City as part of their operation to dismantle Hamas. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israeli Defense Forces came from the north and south, storming the city with coordinated efforts from land, air, and sea forces. Israeli forces are said to be putting pressure on Hamas militants and their infrastructure. However, Hamas claims to be confronting the Israeli advance and inflicting heavy casualties. The exact situation inside Gaza City and the validity of the claims from both sides cannot be independently verified at this time.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands, including over 4,000 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Gazan cities, killing dozens of people. In response to the escalating violence, the United Arab Emirates has set up a field hospital in Gaza, which will provide medical facilities for children and adults.

As the conflict continues, the international community is closely watching the situation. The UN's Volker Turk has started a five-day visit to the Middle East to investigate human rights violations. Meanwhile, the United States has facilitated the evacuation of over 400 American citizens and their families from Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to determine whether a federal law that prohibits individuals under domestic violence court orders from possessing firearms will be upheld. The case in question, United States v. Rahimi, involves a defendant who violated a restraining order by allegedly threatening to shoot another woman and discharging firearms in public. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals previously ruled in the defendant's favor, which could invalidate the existing federal law if upheld. Gun safety advocates argue that allowing individuals like Rahimi to possess firearms would lead to increased violence against survivors of domestic violence. Studies show that firearms are the most common weapons used in domestic violence homicides, with female intimate partners more likely to be killed by guns than by any other means combined. The Supreme Court's decision on this issue will have significant implications for the safety and protection of survivors of domestic abuse.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to deliver a major speech at a dinner event for US business executives during his visit to San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit. The invitation, sent out by the National Committee on US-China Relations and the US-China Business Council, did not specify the headliner of the event; however, Bloomberg reported that Xi Jinping was the keynote speaker, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The event, scheduled for November 15, has attracted the interest of numerous CEOs from Apec-based companies and is expected to draw a large crowd. With tickets priced at $2,000 per person, organizers have observed a high demand for the event. The Chinese embassy in Washington has yet to confirm Xi's attendance at the summit, but the White House has indicated a meeting between the leaders next week.

One of Xi's primary objectives during his visit to the US is to reassure foreign investors who increasingly feel anxious about doing business in China. While the exact details of the meeting and any potential announcements are yet to be revealed, the anticipated face-to-face between President Biden and President Xi is not expected to bring significant changes to the US-China relationship.

A 69-year-old Jewish man, Paul Kessler, died after getting into an altercation during dueling Israel-Hamas protests in Thousand Oaks, California. Kessler was a pro-Israel protester who was allegedly struck in the head with a megaphone by a pro-Palestinian demonstrator. The incident occurred at the intersection of Westlake Boulevard and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, where simultaneous pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests were taking place. Witnesses reported seeing Kessler involved in a physical altercation before falling and striking his head on the ground.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles condemned the attack, describing it as an "antisemitic crime" and demanding safety for the Jewish community. The Council on American-Islamic Relations also denounced the alleged attack and expressed support for the Jewish community, urging everyone to wait for the investigation to be completed before drawing any conclusions.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office classified Kessler's death as a homicide, citing blunt force trauma to the head as the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a hate crime. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.

Mississippi's gubernatorial race is heating up as Democratic nominee Brandon Presley, a second cousin of Elvis Presley, mounts a competitive campaign against Republican Gov. Tate Reeves. Recent polling suggests a tightening race, with Presley trailing Reeves by only one percentage point. This unexpected competitiveness stems from Presley's ability to present himself as a different kind of Democrat, aligning himself with conservative positions such as anti-abortion and supporting gun rights. As a former mayor of a small town in Mississippi, Presley connects with rural voters and has spoken passionately about expanding Medicaid to tackle the state's high poverty rate.

However, winning the governorship in deeply red Mississippi remains challenging for Democrats. The state's voting results are often racially polarized, with white voters largely supporting the GOP and black voters favoring Democratic candidates. Nevertheless, the polls indicate that Presley has a fighting chance, presenting Democrats with their best shot at the governor's mansion in two decades. If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election will take place on November 28. As Election Day approaches, all eyes are on Mississippi to see if Presley can achieve an unlikely upset.