Attacks on Democracy

January 6th, election interference, acts of authoritarianism, voter suppression, and systematic undermining of democratic institutions.

1799

Stories

Section 122 Tariffs – A New Path Forward After SCOTUS Decision - Benesch Law

Section 122 Tariffs – A New Path Forward After SCOTUS Decision - Benesch Law

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling invalidating tariffs under the IEEPA, the White House quickly implemented a new 15% surcharge on most global imports using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, with certain exemptions and a duration limit of 150 days. The new tariffs, effective February 24, 2026, are based on international payment issues such as trade deficits and dollar depreciation, but exclude products under USMCA, Section 232, and some other categories. The administration plans to seek more permanent tariff measures, likely under Section 301, and importers are advised to monitor developments and prepare for compliance challenges.

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Dropkick Murphys to Honour Renee Good & Alex Pretti With Free Concert - Tone Deaf

Dropkick Murphys to Honour Renee Good & Alex Pretti With Free Concert - Tone Deaf

Dropkick Murphys will hold a free memorial acoustic concert in Minneapolis on March 6th to honor Alex Pretti and Renée Good, featuring local performers and supporting various local charities. The event will be livestreamed and aims to serve as both tribute and fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting organizations such as Neighbours Helping Neighbours and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. The band previously responded to Good's death by reworking their song “Citizen C.I.A.” into “Citizen I.C.E.” to protest immigration policies.

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Zelensky pleads to Trump: 'Stay on our side' - CNN

Zelensky pleads to Trump: 'Stay on our side' - CNN

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on U.S. President Donald Trump to remain supportive of Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of security guarantees and the need for them to be ratified by the U.S. Congress before any peace agreement. Zelensky rejected Ukraine's withdrawal from contested eastern regions, stating they cannot give up control of key territories, and highlighted the importance of security assurances in future conflicts. He also addressed Ukraine's electoral process during wartime, expressing skepticism about possible political changes suggested by foreign leaders.

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China calls on US to cancel Trump-era tariffs following Supreme Court ruling - France 24

China calls on US to cancel Trump-era tariffs following Supreme Court ruling - France 24

China called on the United States to lift unilateral tariffs imposed by the Trump administration after the US Supreme Court invalidated many of his measures citing lack of authority. Following the ruling, President Trump announced new global import duties of up to 15%, set to begin soon, which China described as protectionist and harmful to global trade. China is assessing the impact of the ruling and remains vigilant about potential US actions to maintain increased tariffs.

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A new lawsuit alleges DHS illegally tracked and intimidated observers - NPR

A new lawsuit alleges DHS illegally tracked and intimidated observers - NPR

A federal lawsuit alleges that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unlawfully targeted and intimidated community observers monitoring immigration enforcement by collecting their personal information and labeling them as domestic terrorists, despite DHS denying the existence of a terror database. The suit, filed in Maine, details incidents where agents used facial recognition and license plate scanning tools to identify and threaten observers, leading some to alter their behavior out of fear of retaliation. The lawsuit seeks to stop DHS from collecting records on these individuals and to clear any records already gathered, asserting that such actions violate First Amendment rights.

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Lee, Durbin Introduce Bipartisan Protections Against Warrantless Data Searches -...

Lee, Durbin Introduce Bipartisan Protections Against Warrantless Data Searches -...

U.S. Senators Mike Lee and Dick Durbin introduced the bipartisan SAFE Act to reauthorize Section 702 of FISA for two years while implementing safeguards against warrantless surveillance, such as requiring warrants to access Americans' communications, closing loopholes related to data brokers and service provider definitions, and increasing oversight and accountability measures. The bill aims to balance national security needs with protection of civil liberties and privacy rights.

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JPMorgan Admits It Closed Trump's Accounts After January 6 | Fintool News

JPMorgan Admits It Closed Trump's Accounts After January 6 | Fintool News

JPMorgan Chase has admitted in court filings that it closed over 50 accounts belonging to Donald Trump and his businesses in February 2021, shortly after the January 6 Capitol attack, as part of a $5 billion lawsuit filed by Trump alleging political discrimination. The bank's former chief administrative officer confirmed the account closures and sent formal letters to Trump, advising him to find a more suitable bank. The lawsuit accuses JPMorgan of engaging in systemic debanking practices for political reasons, amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of such practices by the OCC and the Federal Reserve. JPMorgan remains financially robust, and the case's legal and regulatory developments could influence broader debates on banking discrimination and regulation.

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Republican-Appointed Texas Federal Judge Endorses 'Vote Harvesting' Conspiracy Amid Primaries

Republican-Appointed Texas Federal Judge Endorses 'Vote Harvesting' Conspiracy Amid Primaries

A Texas federal judge appointed by President George W. Bush struck down a state law restricting voter canvassing, citing violations of free speech and a lack of evidence of voter fraud. However, a subsequent appeals court ruling reversed this decision, with judges emphasizing concerns about mail-in ballot fraud and endorsing stricter voting measures. This shift highlights ongoing partisan debates over election security and voter suppression in Texas.

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Surgeon General Pick Deepens Rift Between Trump Admin and Farmers

Surgeon General Pick Deepens Rift Between Trump Admin and Farmers

The nomination of Dr. Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General has sparked concern over her skeptical views on modern agriculture, including opposition to pesticides and genetically modified crops, which contradict scientific consensus. Her appointment could influence public health policies on diet and food safety, potentially undermining technological advances that have improved food security and sustainability. The move is seen as reflecting a broader political divide over technology-driven growth versus ideology-driven approaches to agriculture and health.

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EU urges diplomacy for Iran as Trump threatens strikes amid negotiations - RFI

EU urges diplomacy for Iran as Trump threatens strikes amid negotiations - RFI

The European Union is advocating for a diplomatic approach to Iran amidst threats of military strikes by the US, which has increased forces in the Middle East and threatened limited action over Iran's nuclear program. EU diplomats are set to meet with the director of Trump's newly established Board of Peace, despite divisions within the EU regarding collaboration. Meanwhile, Iran has warned that any US strike would be considered an act of aggression, and indirect negotiations mediated by Oman between the US and Iran are ongoing.

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