Senator Al Franken Resigns While Citing The Irony That Donald Trump Remains President
In a speech on the Senate Floor this morning, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) tendered his resignation. This came after a number of Democratic Senators called on Franken to resign, following mutual accusations of sexual misconduct by multiple women. Senator Franken's decision could have rippling effects on the ongoing policy battle over tax reform.
Jack Holmes, Associate Editor at Esquire, explains the impact Senator Franken's decision could have in the Senate. Until Minnesota holds a special election next November, it is likely the Lieutenant Governor will take Senator Franken's place. When November 2018 rolls around, Minnesotans will go to the polls not only to elect Senator Franken's long-term replacement, but also to vote on Minnesota's other Senate seat currently held by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D).
Holmes also weighs in on the controversy surrounding Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore. In Senator Franken's resignation speech, he cited the irony that he was resigning while Roy Moore had the full support of the Republican Party, despite being accused of child molestation.
The Supreme Court appeared prepared Wednesday to uphold a Mississippi law that would ban almost all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The ruling is far from over, with Roe V. Wade at risk. Susan Rinkunas, senior reporter at Jezebel, joins Cheddar News to share the developments of the hearing.
The nine justices heard arguments Wednesday, around a Mississippi abortion law that bans the procedure after 15 weeks and appeared to lean toward upholding the law, while leaving uncertainty about the landmark precedent, Roe v. Wade. Kristin Ford, vice president of communications and research at NARAL Pro-Choice America joins Cheddar News to discuss.
Just about a week after being re-nominated, Federal Reserve Chair Jermone Powell is changing his tune. After nearly a year of referring to inflation as 'transitory,' Powell said he will retire the 'T' word as inflation remains elevated. Christopher Russo, Post-Graduate Research Fellow, Mercatus Center joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
Airbnb has come under fire after an Axios report found that the rental company has properties available in China's Xinjiang region where the nation has been accused of committing genocide against Uyghur Muslims, demolishing their homes, and replacing them with tourist attractions.
With the emergence of the omicron variant, the U.S. is considering tightening international travel guidelines. The CDC said it might reduce the window for foreign travelers to submit a negative COVID-19 test from three days prior to one day before allowing entry.
Jill and Carlo cover the latest on Omicron, another school shooting in America and more. Plus, bidding farewell to 'transitory' inflation, and the controversy surrounding 'Lovely Bones' author Alice Sebold.
Disparities in tree coverage across America is a huge issue that affects air quality, heat exposure, and ultimately determines how resilient communities are against climate change. The Build Back Better Act is allocating $2.5 billion to boost 'tree equity.' Lemir Teron, assistant professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, joins Cheddar News to explain why this is a priority for Democrats today.
