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Protecting the Declaration of Independence in our 250th year

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Protecting the Declaration of Independence in our 250th year

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July Fourth marked 249 years since the 13 American colonies rejected a British monarch and embraced freedom. But as we enter the first days of our 250th year on this Earth, it feels like we’re moving in the wrong direction.  

The Declaration of Independence was a bold (though clearly never fully realized) assertion of equality and democratic ideals. Thomas Jefferson wrote that governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed” – the people of the United States would decide our own fate, not be anyone’s subjects.  

But in the past six months all three branches of government have done serious damage to those ideals. And in just the last few weeks we’ve seen our government repudiating the core values of the Declaration of Independence.

“For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.”  

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An elaborate poster collage features a printed profile of Donald Trump’s face with a crown painted on top of his head, flanked by two images of the Statue of Liberty’s face and the phrase “No King” during a demonstration in New York City on June 14, 2025. (John Senter/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The animating idea behind the American Revolution and the Constitution that eventually emerged was that people were in charge through representatives. President Donald Trump has not suspended our legislatures, but he has moved to sideline them and assume the power to legislate for himself.

THE UNWINNABLE WAR AMERICA’S FOUNDING FATHERS FOUGHT AND WON CHANGED HUMAN HISTORY FOREVER

Last week alone saw the final endgame for USAID, dismantled by the president despite congressional authorization. The Department of Education is refusing to distribute billions of congressionally appropriated dollars to state schools. And the administration sued Los Angeles for refusing to use its own resources to aid ICE’s violent deportation arrests.   

In just the last few weeks, the Department of Justice charged a member of Congress after an oversight visit to an immigration detention facility and federal agents handcuffed Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., for asking Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem questions at a press conference.   

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“He has obstructed the Administration of Justice… He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone…”  

We have no rights if the president is not bound to follow the law, which is why the founders recognized the importance of an independent judiciary.  

Yet President Trump has brazenly broken laws and violated the Constitution. Numerous lower court judges, including those appointed by the president himself, have excoriated DOJ lawyers for stonewalling their orders and violating the basic due process protections guaranteed by the Constitution. In some cases, the administration has appeared to openly defy the courts, like when they refused to stop deportations to a torture prison in El Salvador.  

IN A SEA OF IMPERFECT VOICES, I HEARD THE ANTHEM AND THE SPIRIT OF A NATION

More alarming, Congress and the Supreme Court majority seem eager to help. Two weeks ago, President Trump’s former defense attorney and current senior DOJ official, Emil Bove, received a friendly hearing from the Senate Judiciary Committee considering his nomination to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. This despite a whistleblower describing him openly contemplating telling courts “f— you.”   

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“For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences.”  

The founders were aggrieved by Britain hauling people away from their communities on specious charges. Yet here we are again.   

Although the Supreme Court prevented the administration from sending more people to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison under the Alien Enemies Act, they have allowed 238 Venezuelans, three-quarters with no criminal record, to languish there since March. And just two weeks ago, the court blessed the deportation of others to countries they’ve never set foot in without a chance to challenge that action.

“He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.”  

Freedom is hard to come by when those in power can sic the military on the people. The colonists kicked out the British for this offense, yet President Trump federalized the California National Guard without the consent of the California government, then brought in active-duty U.S. Marines, and then even more Marines after the questionable justification of civil unrest was over.   

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TRUMP CHOSE COUNTRY OVER COMFORT — JUST LIKE THE FOUNDING FATHERS ONCE DID

“He has… sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.”  

The singular hallmark of this administration’s first six months has been the use of government power to harass the president’s perceived enemies.  

The administration escalated its war on Harvard University. It forced the resignation of the president of the University of Virginia under threat of federal funding cuts. President Trump called for legal action against the New York Times and CNN for their reporting on the Iran bombing campaign that contradicted the president’s preferred story. Secretary Noem called for an investigation into CNN for reporting on a public ICE-tracking app. And by withholding approval of a merger, the administration got Paramount to pony up $16 million to his interests to settle a thoroughly meritless lawsuit over “60 Minutes” editorial decisions. 

All that was in just one week.  

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If President Trump and his allies are going to repudiate the Declaration of Independence, then we need to use the 250th year of our country to peacefully but fiercely embrace the revolutionary spirit. 

We would hardly be the first to take those values of equality and freedom and challenge America to do better. At Seneca Falls, the delegates calling for women’s equality modeled their Declaration of Sentiments on the Declaration of Independence. 

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Dr. Martin Luther King’s most famous speech, delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, lodged its dream in the words of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal.”   

The government rang in this July 4th by testing our commitment to our nation’s founding ideals of equality and government of, by and for the people. But that ideal is still worth fighting for peacefully – in the courts, at the ballot box and in the streets. Not to restore any of the flawed institutions that came before and during this administration, but to build a more just version of America that is truer to its ideals. 

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Montana

What to Stream: Charlie Puth, Daniel Day-Lewis, Robyn, James Marsden and a ‘Hannah Montana’ special

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What to Stream: Charlie Puth, Daniel Day-Lewis, Robyn, James Marsden and a ‘Hannah Montana’ special


A “Hannah Montana” anniversary special starring Miley Cyrus and fresh music from Robyn and Charlie Puth album are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: the Oscar-winning Norwegian family drama “Sentimental Value,” James Marsden as a hit man in “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” and the San Francisco Giants host the New York Yankees on Netflix’s first MLB broadcast.

New movies to stream from March 23-29

— In “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” (Friday, March 27 on Disney+), James Marsden plays a hitman named Mike who’s hired by a time traveler named Nick (Vince Vaughn). Nick wants to prevent the biggest mistake of his life by killing his past self. Writer-director BenDavid Grabinski’s film, recently premiered at the SXSW film festival.

— Following its win at the Academy Awards, Joachim Trier’s Norwegian family drama “Sentimental Value” has its streaming debut Monday on Hulu. Nominated for nine Oscars, including best picture, it won for best international film. In it, Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas play sisters who reconnect with their filmmaker father (Stellan Skarsgård), who’s making an autobiographical film starring an American actor (Elle Fanning). In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr wrote that the film’s focus “may be small and limited — one Norwegian family struggling to connect and communicate — and yet its emotional scope is downright cosmic.”

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— Daniel Day-Lewis came out of retirement to star in his first film since 2017’s “Phantom Thread” in “Anemone” (Saturday, March 28 on Netflix), a family drama directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. In it, Day-Lewis plays a hermit in the North England woods who’s visited by an old friend (Sean Bean) sent to bring him back to his son. In her review, AP’s Jocelyn Noveck called it “bleak, somber, absorbing but also sometimes frustratingly opaque.”

— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle

New music to stream from March 23-29

— The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ eccentric bassist Flea will release his debut album on Friday. And in a true shock to those who don’t know him, it’s a trumpet-forward jazz record. You read that correctly. Long before the rocker made a name for himself in a band known for songs about California, he was a huge jazz fan, a musical world he explores on the record titled “Honora.” Come for the name, stay for his inventive improvisations and star-studded collaborations, which include Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and the always introspective Nick Cave.

— A lot has happened to singer/songwriter Charlie Puth in the time since his last album, “Charlie,” was released in 2022. He got married. He’s expecting his first child. He performed at the Super Bowl. Taylor Swift gave him a shoutout on her album “The Tortured Poets Department.” And now, he’s embracing it all on a new record, the playful “Whatever’s Clever!” Expect fun pop songs about life and its many transformative moments. That, and some Kenny G.

— Swedish pop savant Robyn has returned with “Sexistential,” her first album in eight years. It is nine-tracks of shimmering synths (“Dopamine,” “Really Real”) ascendant choruses (“Into the Sun”) and rebellious pop songs that double as emotional life rafts (“Sucker for Love.”) The songs are all about freedom, single motherhood, love and lust — often in the same breath. It’s a lascivious collection for the dancefloor: exactly what most pop stars hope to achieve, many fail, and Robyn makes look effortless.

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— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

New series to stream from March 23-29

— “Hannah Montana” made Miley Cyrus a star and a new special streaming Tuesday on Disney+ celebrates 20 years since the show’s premiere. Filmed in front of a live audience, the “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special” will feature music, archival footage and an interview with Cyrus, hosted by podcast host Alex Cooper.

— Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack because Netflix’s first MLB broadcast is opening-night on Wednesday. The San Francisco Giants will host the New York Yankees. Former Giants outfielder Barry Bonds has joined the commentary team for the streamer.

— A bride-to-be starts to get a bad feeling about her impending nuptials. Is it cold feet or intuition? “Something Very Bad is Going to Happen” stars Camila Morrone (“Daisy Jones & The Six”) and Adam DiMarco (“The White Lotus”) star in the new creepy limited-series debuting Thursday on Netflix.

— Alicia Rancilio

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New video games to play from March 23-29

— In 2015’s Life Is Strange, a young woman named Max rewound time to save her childhood friend Chloe’s life. The series has bounced around since between different lead characters with different supernatural gifts, but Max and Chloe are back in Life Is Strange: Reunion. Max is now a teacher whose university has been destroyed by an inferno — and when she turns back the clock this time, Chloe shows up. Does she have mysterious powers of her own? Can they save the school and their relationship? If you’re craving an emotional, metaphysical mystery, you can check in Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

— Lou Kesten



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New Mexico

New Mexico squares off against Saint Joseph’s (PA) in NIT matchup :: WRALSportsFan.com

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New Mexico squares off against Saint Joseph’s (PA) in NIT matchup :: WRALSportsFan.com


Saint Joseph’s (PA) Hawks (24-11, 14-6 A-10) at New Mexico Lobos (25-10, 14-8 MWC)

Albuquerque, New Mexico; Tuesday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: New Mexico and Saint Joseph’s (PA) meet in the National Invitation Tournament.

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The Lobos are 14-8 against MWC opponents and 11-2 in non-conference play. New Mexico ranks second in the MWC with 9.6 offensive rebounds per game led by Tomislav Buljan averaging 4.1.

The Hawks are 14-6 in A-10 play. Saint Joseph’s (PA) scores 73.3 points and has outscored opponents by 3.4 points per game.

New Mexico averages 9.5 made 3-pointers per game, 1.5 more made shots than the 8.0 per game Saint Joseph’s (PA) gives up. Saint Joseph’s (PA) averages 8.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 more makes per game than New Mexico allows.

TOP PERFORMERS: Buljan is averaging 12.8 points and 10.4 rebounds for the Lobos. Jake Hall is averaging 16.7 points over the last 10 games.

Jaiden Glover is scoring 16.0 points per game and averaging 4.9 rebounds for the Hawks. Derek Simpson is averaging 14.2 points and 5.4 rebounds over the last 10 games.

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LAST 10 GAMES: Lobos: 6-4, averaging 83.1 points, 35.0 rebounds, 16.1 assists, 8.7 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 74.3 points per game.

Hawks: 9-1, averaging 72.5 points, 35.7 rebounds, 15.5 assists, 5.0 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 66.1 points.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Oregon

Texas ‘generational talent’ Booker scores 40 in March Madness rout of Oregon

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Texas ‘generational talent’ Booker scores 40 in March Madness rout of Oregon


AUSTIN, Texas — Oregon was simply helpless against Madison Booker.

Texas’ three-time All-American forward did anything she wanted as she scored a career-high 40 points in a rollicking 100-58 win over Oregon on Sunday that earned the No. 1-seeded Longhorns a trip to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year.

Drive for layups? Easy. Her go-to mid-range jumper? Breezy. Step out for 3-pointers? Swish.

Booker set a Texas school record for most points in an NCAA Tournament game.

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It’s still 10 points shy of the overall tournament record of 50 set by Drake’s Lorri Bauman in 1982. But give her time. She’s got at least one more game coming up in Fort Worth, and if the Longhorns are going to play for their first national championship in 40 years, she could get four more.

Booker carried the Longhorns to the Elite Eight as a freshman and to Final Four last season.

“She’s a generational talent,” Texas coach Vic Schaefer said.

Texas forward Madison Booker (35) drives to the basket against Oregon forward Ehis Etute (35) during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Credit: AP/Eric Gay

And an unselfish one. Schaefer often has to tell his star player to go get her shot instead of making the extra pass to a teammate.

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“I want her to hunt to go get a bucket,” Schaefer said.

That side of her is emerging now that it’s time to start collecting trophies.

Booker came in to the tournament averaging 18.9 points. She set her previous career high of 31 just a couple of weeks ago against Mississippi in the Southeastern Conference tournament, which Texas won.

The previous Texas tournament scoring record of 32 was set by Clarissa Davis in 1986 and Heather Schreiber in 2003. The 1986 team won the national title. The 2003 team made the Final Four.

“Coach Schaefer has pushed me into taking a big role, being aggressive on the offensive end,” Booker said.

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She was dominant from the start against Oregon, scoring 14 points in the first quarter. Bookers’ final stat line included 14-of-21 shooting, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and no turnovers.

“I’ve never seen that. I’d like to see it again,” Texas senior guard Rori Harmon said. “I saw the look in her eyes when she came in. I saw something special coming today.”



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