What we read while Katie Holmes left Tom for Pacey…
- The Supreme Court disappointed conservatives twice last week. First, it made Mitt Romney’s life more difficult by striking down most of Arizona’s controversial immigration law (though Romney’s campaign is getting pretty good at avoiding questions). Then, of course, the Court upheld Obamacare. The swing vote in the latter case was, surprisingly, Chief Justice John Roberts, who is now an unlikely hero to many liberals and a traitor to many conservatives. Of course, the decision wasn’t a total win for liberals, and it certainly helped Romney raise money. The effect of the case on, you know, health care, is yet to be seen
- Judge Posner agrees with Chief Justice Roberts and co. that the mandate is a “tax” under Article I of the Constitution. Two unnamed sources confided in Jan Crawford on how Chief Justice Roberts changed his position on the constitutionally of the mandate. Orin Kerr opines on Crawford’s article. Speaking of reporting on the decision, many interns took to sprinting with the paper copies of the opinion.
- The Supreme Court invalidated a federal statute the same day as the ACA opinion, holding that the Stolen Valor Act violates the First Amendment.
- Now that October Term 2011 is over, SCOTUSBlog has released their Supreme Court stat pack, which is remarkably comprehensive. Among other things, it reveals that Scalia and Thomas agreed the most in judgment this term (93.3 percent of the time), while Scalia and Ginsburg agreed the least (56 percent of the time).
- Red Sox fans said goodbye to Kevin Youkilis, who was trade to Chicago last week. He was loved by few, hated by many, and respected by some.
- Season Three of Louie started last week, and Slate listed the 10 best episodes thus far.
- Jimmy Carter attacks America’s record on human rights. Meanwhile, Bradley Manning faces life in prison.
- Lena Dunham on Nora Ephron.
