3 things to Know Today

1 Amy Coney Barrett Is Now Justice Barrett

It’s official, Amy Coney Barrett is the newest associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. As expected, the Senate voted 52-48 to confirm Barrett to the high court yesterday and within hours, she was sworn in on the South Lawn of the White House by Justice Clarence Thomas. As expected, Maine Republican Susan Collins joined all Democrats in voting against the nomination – and Senate Democrats, including leader Chuck Schumer were in full froth on the floor, accusing Republicans of conducting a "mad rush" to get Barrett confirmed, shortly before the presidential election. Barrett's confirmation locks in a 6-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court. While Democrats maintain Barrett will unravel all the social protections we have in place, Justice Barrett said in her first remarks that it’s important that judges remain outside the sway of politics. She added that judges must also resist making rulings based on politics, saying that making political decisions would be a dereliction of duty. She suggested politics should remain the job of elected lawmakers. As for what’s next, she’ll be getting to work later today after Chief Justice John Roberts administers her judicial oath.

2 Unrest Reported In Philadelphia After Police Shooting

Destruction and looting are being reported in Philadelphia after the police killing of a black man yesterday afternoon. Police have responded to reports of vandalism, with fires being set to cars and dumpsters in West Philadelphia. There are also reports that several officers were injured when bricks were thrown. The unrest erupted after 27-year-old Walter Wallace was shot and killed by police. Officials say Wallace was armed with a knife and confronted officers when he was shot. Video of the interaction posted online appears to show Wallace at least 10-feet away when the shooting occurred. As the investigation continues and the bodycam footage is reviewed, Wallace’s family says he has a history of mental illness and has questioned why tasers weren’t deployed first.

3 Zeta Becomes A Hurricane, Makes Landfall In Mexico

Hurricane Zeta has made landfall over Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The storm is expected to weaken a bit as it passes over land, but once it reaches the Gulf of Mexico it will pick up steam again. It's expected to be a hurricane when it makes landfall in southeastern Louisiana on tomorrow. Hurricane watches are already in effect for the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Zeta is hitting an area of the Gulf Coast that's already weathered several serious storms. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards says Zeta is expected to make landfall in the state as a Category One storm tomorrow night. Speaking with reporters, Edwards said they predict this storm will "primarily be a wind event" with some significant rain. Additionally, Edwards says the National Guard has more than eleven-hundred guardsman activated up and down the coast with a variety of boats and helicopters positioned.


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