Historic Supreme Court Nomination

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 15 April 2022 > In the News Shine Bright Lycée

On 7 April, the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as a Supreme Court Justice — the first ever African-American woman in the court’s 233-year history. Despite hostile Senate hearings, three Republican Senators gave their votes to confirm the nomination.  When he fulfilled an election promise by nominating Ms. Brown Jackson, … Continue reading “Historic Supreme Court Nomination”

Georgia on their Minds

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 08 January 2021 > In the News

Amidst all the chaos in Washington, D.C. on 6 January, as Congress tried to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win, a quieter but possibly just as revolutionary election event was taking place in the deep South. In Georgia’s runoff Senate elections, both seats were won by Democrats, giving Biden a tiny but working majority in Congress. … Continue reading “Georgia on their Minds”

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Profiles

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 27 November 2020 > Ready to Use

Although President Trump is still making legal challenges over the election, it seems certain that after the January Inauguration, Joe Biden will become the 46th President of the U.S.A. and Kamala Harris, his running mate, will be the first black female Vice-President  and to thus make history. Thanks to this B1 article, the students will … Continue reading “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Profiles”

Finally…. a Result

Posted by Speakeasy News > Sunday 08 November 2020 > In the News

After four days of tense waiting, demonstrations and threats of legal challenge, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris emerged as the next President and Vice-President of the United States on Saturday 7 November. In the absence of a national election body, it was the media organisation Associated Press which called wins for the Democratic ticket in … Continue reading “Finally…. a Result”

Supreme Court Confirmation Rushed Through

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 30 October 2020 > In the News Shine Bright Lycée

Judge Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed as the Supreme Court replacement for Ruth Bader Ginsburg on 27 October, barely a week before the presidential election. After Justice Ginsburg’s death on 18 September, the nomination of a new Justice became a political battle. Justice Ginsburg was one of the four Democratic-nominated Justices out of the nine … Continue reading “Supreme Court Confirmation Rushed Through”

U.S. Youth Vote Videos

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 09 October 2020 > Webpicks

One of the  big battles in the U.S. elections is getting people to vote. Which starts with getting them registered. These videos are a great teaching resource. In 2016, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 70 per cent of citizens were registered to vote. Of those, however, about 86 per cent actually voted … Continue reading “U.S. Youth Vote Videos”

Campaign Interrupted

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 02 October 2020 > In the News

On 2 October, the White House announced that President Trump and the First Lady, Melania, had both tested positive for Covid 19, and were self-isolating in the presidential residence. Mr Trump therefore has to interrupt his campaign for re-election and the remaining presidential TV debates are put in doubt. Mr Trump announced the news in … Continue reading “Campaign Interrupted”

U.S. Elections: the Year of the Unknowns

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 21 September 2020 > In the News

It’s already been an unusual election year in the U.S.A., with the later Democratic primaries cancelled because of Covid and delayed party conventions held online. As the virus continues to progress in the U.S.A., what are the possible consequences for the election?  The parties are continuing as near to normal as they can. The focus, … Continue reading “U.S. Elections: the Year of the Unknowns”