April 2, 2024 - Daily Digest

Major ruling out of Florida makes for a big win for Democrats

Today is April 2, 2024, and here are the critical stories that you may have missed from today. If you enjoy this content and want access to more, exclusive content or to support my work, then consider becoming a monthly subscriber below:

1) Florida Supreme Court Allows Abortion & Marijuana Initiatives To Remain On The Ballot

In two major rulings, the Florida Supreme Court has agreed to keep two ballot initiatives, one dealing with abortion rights in the state, and the second dealing with recreational use of marijuana, on the state's ballot this November. Previously, both ballot initiatives were challenged in court, and the challenges were supported by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. The primary argument against the initiatives were that they were too vague for average citizen to understand the language of the ballot summary.

The first initiative, titled "Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion" also known as Amendment 4, would enshrine abortion rights in the Florida Constitution, specifically stating that "no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability."

The second initiative, titled "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana," also known as Amendment 3, “allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption.”

The rulings will allow the initiatives to remain on the Florida ballot this November. Although the ruling is a major win for abortion activists and pro-marijuana activists, it is not the end. For the initiatives as to pass, more than 60% of Floridians need to vote in favor during the elections.

2) Top Iranian Commander Killed In Airstrike

Iran's State media is now reporting that a top commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has been killed in an airstrike in the country's consulate located in the Syrian capital of Damascus. According to initially reports, Iran's media is placing the blame on Israel for the airstrike, which has killed the most senior member of Iran's leadership since October 7th. 

Specifically, Iran's ambassador, Hossein Akbari stated "Between five and seven people were killed in the attack. I was in my office in the embassy at the time and witnessed the destruction myself," while Syrian state media also placed the blame on Israel stating that this was "an Israeli act of aggression targeted on Monday afternoon a building in Mezzeh neighborhood in Damascus.”

While Israel has not publicly commented on the incident, if confirmed, it would be the most significant strike conducted by Israel since Hamas' terrorist attacks on October 7th, and would likely open up a new stage in the conflict, with Iran or Iranian-backed proxies likely getting more involved. 

3) Former Trump Defense Secretary Esper: 'There's No Way I'll Vote For Trump'

Donald Trump's former Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, has once again doubled down against voting for Donald Trump, making some of his strongest comments to date. Esper, in an interview with Bill Maher, stated that "there's no way" he would vote for Donald Trump in November and that with each passing day, the door opens a little wider to vote for Joe Biden. 

Esper's comments follow public rebukes from several former Trump officials and supporters including Trump's Vice President, Attorney General, United Nations Ambassador, Senator Todd Young from Indiana, and many others. 

4) Maryland Governor Slams Republicans Over Blaming DEI For Bridge Collapse

Maryland Governor Wes Moore appeared on CNN to discuss the progress Maryland officials have achieved in cleaning up the debris following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. While on television, Moore was asked by CNN anchor Dana Bash what his thoughts were on several Republicans using the bridge collapse as a means to spread anti-DEI rhetoric, even blaming the collapse on politicians who embrace DEI policies. Governor Moore's answers was simple: "I don't have time for this foolishness." Watch below:

Since the collapse of the Key bridge, Maryland officials have been working around the clock to remove the debris, locate victims, and begin the process of rebuilding one of the more critical bridges in Baltimore. Despite their best efforts, Republicans around the country have used this tragedy to spread their political objectives, directly tying the bridge collapse to DEI policies. Much of the sentiment espoused by these Republicans has been racist and specifically targeted Governor Moore and Baltimore's Mayor, Brandon Scott.