The Arizona House of Representatives has expelled Republican lawmaker Kelly Townsend after an ethics committee investigation found she had committed "disorderly behavior" in violation of the chamber's rules. The investigation was prompted by a complaint from a Democratic legislator after Townsend invited an insurance agent to a televised hearing, who made unsubstantiated allegations of bribery. Townsend's actions were found to have damaged the "institutional integrity of the House," and she was expelled in a House vote. This is the first time in Arizona's history that a legislator has been removed from office by their peers, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislative process.
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North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Thursday, prompting Japan to issue an evacuation order for a northern island. The missile was identified by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff as having a medium or longer range, and may have been an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This latest weapons test has raised concerns among North Korea's neighbors, and the United Nations Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the launch.
California Rep. Ro Khanna has called for Sen. Dianne Feinstein to resign due to her extended absence from the Senate due to health issues. Khanna argued that it is unacceptable for a Senator to be absent for months with no clear prospect of return, and that it is incumbent on Governor Newsom and Senator Schumer to speak out. The idea of Feinstein resigning has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that it is an undignified and unkind spectacle.
Prominent progressives are calling for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to resign or step down from her post on the Senate Judiciary Committee due to her lengthy absence due to health issues. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) argued that not speaking out about Feinstein's resignation "undermines our credibility as elected representatives of the people," and that while Feinstein has had a lifetime of public service, "it is obvious she can no longer fulfill her duties." Feinstein has yet to comment on the calls for her resignation, and it remains to be seen if she will step down or continue to serve in the Senate.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) is publicly calling for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to resign due to her lengthy absence from the Senate and her inability to fulfill her duties. Khanna believes that the country should be put ahead of personal loyalty and that Feinstein's continued presence undermines the credibility of elected representatives. The call for Feinstein to resign has been met with mixed reactions.
The U.S. Secret Service has been informed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland of local media reports that a document related to President Joe Biden's visit to Belfast was found on a city street. The document contained a rough itinerary and names and positions of police officials, but the Secret Service has assured the public that their security plans remain intact and the safety of the President is their top priority. They are currently working with the PSNI to investigate the incident.
Arizona House of Representatives voted to expel a first-term Republican representative, Liz Harris, after she invited a conspiracy theorist to testify at an election integrity hearing. The vote to expel Harris was bipartisan, with 46 representatives voting in favor and 13 voting against. Harris was removed from her elected position immediately, making this the first expulsion of a lawmaker since the state was admitted to the Union in 1912.
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to return expelled Tennessee Democratic Rep. Justin Pearson back to the state House on Wednesday. The confirmation of Pearson's reappointment was met with cheers and applause from the crowd, and support from both sides of the aisle. Pearson expressed his gratitude for the support he has received, and his return to the House of Representatives is a victory for gun reform advocates in the state of Tennessee.