Shutdown, week 2

Here are some of the things we’ve seen during week 2 of the shutdown:

Supreme Court term begins

The Supreme Court term began on Monday, with many consequential cases coming up in the next few months. The first big case was on Tuesday – a case about whether or not a state can prohibit licensed therapists from using conversion therapy.

The group representing the therapist, Alliance Defending Freedom, called off a rally because of stated fears of violence, so there were just a few people there in support of the therapist.

Last chance at the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian museums have funds to keep open through tomorrow, October 11 – after that, they will be closed until the government reopens. We’ve been making sure to enjoy them these past few days.

National Museum of African American History and Culture ©Angela N.

While the zoo animals will remain cared for during the shutdown, we won’t be able to see them after tomorrow, so we made a farewell trip there.

Hummingbird at the zoo, but a wild one that visited the outdoor area of the bird house. ©Angela N.

Comey arraignment

James Comey was arraigned on Wednesday morning at the Eastern District Federal Court in Alexandria, with lots of media and some activists and spectators.

Comey was taken in and out through a private entrance, but his family came through the public entrance. This photo is of his daughter exiting the court – she was a Federal prosecutor in NY who claims she was fired for political reasons, mainly for being Comey’s daughter.

The end of FLARE?

FLARE is an anti-Trump group that has been set up outside Union Station since May, with several tents. They had a valid Park Service permit, but a few days ago, the Park Service said it had violated the terms of the permit and took most of the encampment away. They held a rally to raise awareness, and are trying to get their permit back.