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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A Flash Flood Emergency has been declared in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida due to a once-in-a-half-century rainfall event. Around 10-14 inches of rain have fallen across the area, causing widespread flooding, the closure of the city's airport, the shuttering of schools and the suspension of high-speed commuter rail service. Mayor Dean Trantalis has urged residents to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and to follow the advice of local authorities, while the National Weather Service has warned that the flooding could worsen. Public Works staff are working to mitigate the water as quickly as possible.
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.
The US Attorneys' Offices for the Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina have announced that they will not pursue federal charges in the death of Shanquella Robinson, as the available evidence does not support a federal prosecution. The US Attorneys' Offices expressed their condolences to Robinson's family and said they will continue to review the case and investigate any new evidence that may become available.
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.
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.
Judge Eric Davis has issued sanctions against lawyers representing Fox News in a billion-dollar defamation case brought by Dominion Voting Systems. He is considering ordering an investigation into whether the network misled him in the case, which is set to go to trial next week. Fox News has denied any wrongdoing and is defending itself against the claims.
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.