The filibuster rule prevails

The filibuster – a Senate rule that allows a minority to block consideration of a bill favored by the majority – was the winner Thursday.

All 50 Republicans and two Democrats – Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Krysten Sinema of Arizona – voted against suspending the rule to allow the whole body to vote on The Freedom to Vote: Johns R. Lewis Act, according to United Press International.

Manchin and Sinema said they supported the bill, aimed at what Democrat call “voter suppression” laws passed in states controlled by Republicans, but opposed changing the rule. Republicans countered that changing the rule, as well as the John Lewis Act, was a “partisan power grab” by Democrats.

Democratic and civil rights leaders vowed to try again.

Sports: New constitution for NCAA

Member schools of the National Collegiate Association ratified a new constitution on Thursday.

According to the Associated Press, the new governing document is “streamlined” and will give more power to the universities and colleges and conferences. The vote was 801-95.

The three divisions of the NCAA – based on enrollment and the size of sports programs – will be self-governing. Impetus for the change comes from concerns about legal challenges.

Matters of contention continue, including how student-athletes can be compensated in an era when some can be paid for the use of their name, image and likeness.

Weather: A warm weekend

Warm weather will defy the calendar through the weekend in the West Orange County area. The forecast calls for a daytime high of 70 on Friday, with an overnight low of 53 under sunny skies. The nice weather will get warmer on Saturday to 73 and Sunday to 74. Monday will be cooler at 71, then 69 on Monday.