The Morning Sixpack, November 12, 2024
WaPo says, "Democracy dies in darkness." NOPE. It's dying in broad daylight.
1. Federal Judge Strikes Down Louisiana Law Mandating Ten Commandments in Classrooms, Citing Constitutional Violation
A federal judge ruled that a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in public school classrooms is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge John deGravelles cited a 1980 Supreme Court decision that struck down a similar Kentucky law, stating that the Louisiana law infringes on the religious rights of those opposed to the displays.
DeGravelles described the law as “discriminatory and coercive,” as it would pressure children into adopting the state’s religious views, making students a “captive audience” due to mandatory school attendance.
The ruling came after nine families, from various religious backgrounds and atheism, filed a lawsuit seeking to block the law, which was signed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry in June and was set to take effect by January 2025.
Louisiana is currently the only state to require such religious displays in classrooms. Conservative groups have been advocating for more public expressions of faith, with hopes that the Supreme Court’s conservative majority might uphold similar laws.
Louisiana may will appeal to the conservative-leaning 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
2. Spirit Airlines Flight Diverted After Gunfire Strikes Near Haiti Landing Amid Growing Unrest
A Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Haiti was diverted after being struck by gunfire four times while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince.
The plane safely landed in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where it was inspected and confirmed to have sustained damage from gunfire. All passengers were unharmed, though one flight attendant reported minor injuries. The FAA confirmed the incident, and other flights to Toussaint Louverture Airport were also diverted, with the airport subsequently closed.
But wait, there’s more…!
JetBlue also reported a bullet strike on a flight from Haiti and has suspended all flights to and from the country until Dec. 2 due to ongoing civil unrest.
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert, warning of gang-related violence affecting travel routes and urging caution.
3. Of course, Elon Musk made everybody cry on SNL when he hosted the show
In August, Bowen Yang appeared on *Watch What Happens Live* and was asked to recount the worst behavior he’d witnessed from a *Saturday Night Live* host. He mentioned an unnamed male host who upset “multiple” cast members to the point of tears during a table read due to his dislike of their ideas. Chloe Fineman initially planned to stay quiet but decided to speak out after Elon Musk criticized *SNL* on social media.
Musk had tweeted that "*SNL* has been dying slowly for years" following an episode featuring Dana Carvey’s impression of him. In response, Fineman posted a now-deleted video (reported by *People*) recalling Musk’s dismissive attitude during his 2021 hosting stint. She revealed, “You made me, Chloe Fineman, burst into tears after I stayed up all night writing this sketch.”
Fineman shared her side of the story, saying, “I was so excited and asked if you had any questions, but you just stared like you were firing me from Tesla, saying, ‘It’s not funny.’ I waited for a laugh, but then you just flipped through my script, page by page, saying, ‘I didn’t laugh once.’”
Ironically, the sketch still made it to air (likely “The Ooli Show,” according to *Entertainment Weekly*) and was “fine,” as Fineman put it. She concluded, “I actually thought it was fun and you were funny in it, but maybe show a little respect.” As a jab at Musk, Fineman’s account isn’t scathing—he’s repeatedly dismissed the show’s humor. But as celebrity gossip, it adds an interesting layer, if not a surprising one. (Note to Lorne Michaels: Avoid giving airtime to people who openly dislike *SNL*!)
Source: https://www.avclub.com/elon-musk-made-chloe-fineman-cry-saturday-night-live-reveal
4. Eminem, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, N.W.A. and Janet Jackson get Songwriters Hall of Fame nods
The nominees for the 2025 class at the Songwriters Hall of Fame have been announced, featuring an eclectic range of musicians from rock, hip-hop, and pop genres. Notable nominees include Eminem, Boy George, George Clinton, Sheryl Crow, Janet Jackson, the Doobie Brothers, N.W.A, and Alanis Morissette. Musicians Bryan Adams and Mike Love of the Beach Boys also join the nominees, along with David Gates from Bread. Non-performers are also represented, including key contributors to hits from Mariah Carey, Pat Benatar, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin. Voting members have until Dec. 22 to vote for their top three nominees from both the songwriter and performing-songwriter categories.
This year’s nominees represent a diverse range of music genres, providing a broad spectrum of creative talents. The range of nominees spans from the pioneering rap of N.W.A and Eminem, pop and rock icons like Boy George, Janet Jackson and Sheryl Crow, to the funk sounds of George Clinton. Janet Jackson, known for her seminal 1989 album “Rhythm Nation,” could gain entry more than two decades after her late brother Michael, while a nomination for Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette would further highlight the impact of women in the industry.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1969 to honor notable songwriters in popular music, eligible for induction 20 years after their first commercial song release. Many distinguished artists and songwriters, like Carole King, Paul Simon, Jon Bon Jovi, and Elton John, are already part of the Hall. This year’s nominees highlight the ongoing evolution of the music industry across multiple generations and musical styles, showcasing varied creative processes and the lasting impact of these artists on popular music.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/songwriters-hall-nominees-2025-41a3b00e3bbd11d64dffae9eba70c6b8
5. Dak Prescott Out for Season: Cowboys QB to Undergo Hamstring Surgery, Ending Comeback Hopes
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's season is officially over, as he will undergo surgery for a partial avulsion of his hamstring.
Team owner Jerry Jones confirmed the surgery, scheduled for Wednesday in New York, after Prescott consulted with a specialist. Prescott's recovery is expected to take three months, preventing him from returning this season.
The injury occurred during a Nov. 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons, marking the second time in five seasons Prescott has been sidelined due to injury. The Cowboys, now 3-6, will rely on Cooper Rush as their starting quarterback, backed by Trey Lance, with Will Grier rejoining the practice squad for added depth. This will be Prescott’s fourth surgery since 2020, following previous surgeries for a broken thumb, ankle fracture, and shoulder.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42346615/cowboys-dak-prescott-season-ending-surgery-jones-says
6. Supreme Court Rejects Mark Meadows' Bid to Move Georgia Election Case to Federal Court
The Supreme Court declined former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows’ request to move his Georgia election interference case to federal court, where he intended to argue for immunity from prosecution.
Meadows, one of 19 individuals indicted in Georgia over alleged attempts to keep Trump in power post-2020 election, claimed his actions were part of his federal duties. Prosecutors countered, arguing Meadows’ involvement in activities like Trump’s call with Georgia’s Secretary of State went beyond official duties.
Lower courts also ruled the case should remain in Georgia, and the Supreme Court offered no reasoning in its decision. Four co-defendants have pleaded guilty, while the remaining, including Trump and Meadows, maintain their innocence.
This most likely means that ALL of the defendants will go to trial—except for Trump, the ringleader of the entire conspiracy. When President Harry Truman said, “The buck stops here,” he never imagined a President Trump.