In what has become a ping-ponging of women’s Constitutionally protected right to an abortion, the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Texas law banning almost all abortions. The decision puts the case on a direct pathway back to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema say they are ready to tank Biden’s Build Back Better plan on the grounds that it’s too hard on fossil fuel corporations; that it expands Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing coverage; that it provides for tuition-free community college; and, generally, that everything isn’t means tested. At least that’s what Manchin laid out. Sinema seems just pissed that HER piece of legislation, the bi-partisan fossil fuel infrastructure bill, is not getting voted on first.  

10,000 UAW workers went on strike against John Deere. The strike comes after workers rejected a tentative agreement by about 90% on Sunday. Workers say the two-tier employee system which would hurt newly hired workers was a non-starter. Now that’s some solidarity for ya. 

60,000 IATSE, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, workers will begin a strike on Monday if no significant agreement is reached. 98% of IATSE members voted in favor of a strike over issues of an increased minimum wage, humane working hours, and fair pay for work on streaming programming. 

These job actions join the 1,400 workers at Kellogg’s plants who went on strike on October 5 and close to 30,000 workers at Kaiser Permanente in California and Oregon have overwhelmingly passed their strike authorization. 

#Striketober anyone?

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro launched his 2022 gubernatorial campaign in Pittsburgh and Montgomery County this week.  The Attorney General has essentially clearled the field of any challengers by gaining the endorsements of progressives and moderate Democrats throughout the Commonwealth.

Ashley Ehasz becomes the first Democrat to throw their hat in the ring to try to unseat Brian Fitzpatrick in the PA01. Ehasz is an army vet who’s campaign launch video focused on her anger that the American Dream is out of reach for so many. Her campaign announcement has spurred critical discussion about the political future of Bucks County and the whole of the #PA01. 

Sean Parnell, the Trump endorsed candidate for US Senate, went to court to try and place a “sweeping gag order” against his ex-wife.  Parnell’s wife filed two PFA’s against Sean Parnell in 2017 and 2018.  Some are saying that this can be a liability for his campaign.  

Scott Wagner was in the news again this week. On the third anniversary of his epic meltdown underneath a billboard on the side of a highway, Wagner stated that he will pledge $1.5 million to a PAC supporting Jeff Bartos if Bartos gets through the primary.

The Lincoln Project put Pennsylvania’s right-wing billionaire Jeffrey Yass on blast this week.  The group put together a 30 second ad detailing how Yass uses his money and a web of political action committees to spread disinformation to Pennsylvania’s voters.  The group also highlighted a campaign finance complaint filed by Pennsylvania Spotlight & asked viewers to call Attorney General Josh Shapiro and demand action from the complaint. 

KU Activists are holding a protest on Tuesday, October 19 from 10:30 - noon at the Alumni Plaza to advocate for the rights of disabled students, faculty, and staff. We all deserve an environment that is safe for us. Look for posters around campus soon!

Yes, Captain Kirk got to go to space. Well, the edge of space at least. William Shatner joined three other passengers on Blue Origin’s second rich people joy ride into suborbital space on Wednesday. 

Gotta love the Dungeon Run.