Thursday Afternoon Update: Pence To Comply With J6 Subpoena, GOP States Protect Kids, RFK Jr. For President

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Pence Agrees to Testify

Former Vice President Mike Pence will comply with a subpoena to testify about the events leading up to the Jan. 6th Capitol riot. Initially, Pence challenged the subpoena, citing constitutional protections based on his role as the President of the Senate. However, a U.S. District Court adjudicated that he must answer questions about any illegal acts witnessed during that time. Pence’s spokesperson confirmed that he will not appeal the judge’s verdict and will respond to the subpoena as required by law. 

States Ban Sex-Change Surgeries for Minors

Two Republican governors, Brad Little from Idaho and Eric Holcomb from Indiana, recently approved injunctions banning sex change surgeries and puberty blockers for minors. In contrast, Democratic Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey signed an executive order that declares the state a “safe haven” for such procedures.

Idaho Passes Bill Outlawing Abortion for Minors Traveling to Another State Without Parental Consent

Another bill recently signed in Idaho by Republican Governor Brad Little makes it unlawful to travel with a minor to another state for an abortion, or to procure an abortion-inducing drug for a minor without the parent’s consent. Those who violate this law will face up to five years in prison.

RFK Jr. to Run for President

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the 2024 presidential election. Kennedy is an environmental lawyer and author but has gained notoriety recently for his stance against vaccines. His competitor in this bid for nomination is likely to be President Joe Biden.

French Protestors Storm BlackRock

After President Emmanuel Macron overrode a constitutional provision that led to increased retirement age, labor unions, and other entities have organized nationwide demonstrations across France. This protest led to citizens storming the Paris home of BlackRock, a financial giant. The protestors briefly entered the building and shouted anti-government slogans. The protests turned violent at times, and the police had to use tear gas to counter the aggression. The Bordeaux town hall was burned down during the initial protests last month.

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