• Wed, January 8, 2025

by: PBS

Trump asks the Supreme Court to block Friday's sentencing in his New York hush money case

Trump's lawyers turned to the nation's highest court Wednesday after New York courts refused to postpone the sentencing by the judge who presided over Trump's trial and conviction in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

by: i

Trump and 'toxic' borrowing costs could force Reeves to hike taxes or cut spending

Rachel Reeves is under mounting pressure over a spike in the UK's borrowing costs which is likely to force her to come back for further tax rises or spending cuts. Economists said that the Chancellor was facing a "toxic combination" of circumstances including flatlining growth, high interest rates and geopolitical tensions.

by: Reuters

Canada's main opposition leader Poilievre rides wave of anti-Trudeau discontent

Justin Trudeau's successor as Liberal leader and Canada's prime minister will soon face a bruising election against a sharp-tongued populist riding a wave of anti-Trudeau sentiment.

by: Sky

MPs vote against new national inquiry into grooming gangs

The vote was largely symbolic - aimed at putting pressure on Labour after comments by Elon Musk brought grooming gangs back into the spotlight.

by: MSN

Lawmakers call for reforms as California electricity costs climb

The report points to wildfire-related costs and the state's policies and programs to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

by: MSN

Trump says he wants to get rid of 'artificially drawn line' between U.S. and Canada

From goofy AI-generated social media posts to threats of 'economic force,' Donald Trump has been taking jabs at Canada's sovereignty for weeks. CBC's Ellen Mauro breaks down the president-elect's escalating rhetoric against Canada.

by: MSN

Cabinet ministers say take Trump threats seriously, but don't overreact

Several federal cabinet ministers say Canada should not overreact to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's comments about annexing Canada — but should still take them seriously.

by: MSN

Lithuania to strengthen infrastructure security before disconnecting from Russian energy system

Lithuania will strengthen the protection of power lines with Poland. This will happen on the eve of the planned disconnection from the power grid shared with Russia and Belarus, according to LRT. Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas said that the government supported the decision to provide additional physical protection for certain

by: MSN

Austria in 'new situation' after far-right leader Kickl asked to form government, analyst says

Austria in 'new situation' after far-right leader Kickl asked to form government, analyst says The family of a young Quebec boy who nearly drowned claim doctors in Montreal gave up on their son - but say they've found new hope south of the border. Dan Spector reports.

by: MSN

Colorado governor walks a tightrope in approaching Trump. Deportations likely to be the first test

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis donned safety glasses and seized the handle of the electric saw, guiding the buzzing blade down through a stack of printed-out executive orders dating back decades. Polis' pre-Christmas news conference was designed to highlight how he was repealing unnecessary regulations,

by: MSN

Obamacare enrollment doubled under Biden as battle over subsidies begins

by: MSN

No, Parents Didn't Spend Child Tax Credit Money On Drugs, Study Finds

The child payments were discontinued amid concerns from some lawmakers, especially then-Sen. Joe Manchin, that parents spent the money on drugs.

by: MSN

Scholz Rejects Expansionist Agenda Laid Out in Trump Remarks

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pushed back on comments made by US President-elect Donald Trump, including a threat to use economic force to annex Canada and seize Greenland.

by: MSN

Industry groups sue over Biden ban on medical debt from credit reports

Two groups representing the credit reporting and credit union industries have filed a lawsuit challenging a new rule adopted by U.S. President Joe Biden's outgoing administration banning the inclusion of medical debt in American consumers' credit reports.

by: MSN

Biden will defer to Trump on terror label for Syria's Islamist leaders

The U.S. will keep HTS on the list of terrorist organizations for the remainder of President Biden's tenure, leaving the decision to Donald Trump, officials say.

by: MSN

Madigan testifies Ald. Solis comment about 'quid pro quo' gave him 'surprise and concern'

Former House Speaker Michael Madigan testified in his corruption trial Wednesday that he was taken aback when then-Ald. Daniel Solis told him over the phone that the developers of a West Loop condo tower understood "the quid pro quo" of hiring Madigan's law firm.

by: MSN

I'm a Canadian listening to Trump. Let's talk about 'the 51st state'

Both the American Revolutionary War and War of 1812 featured U.S. ambitions for Canadian annexation. Such talk rose again following the Civil War five decades later—a threat so grave that it motivated Canada's political leadership to incorporate as a new country,

by: MSN

Blinken on US taking over Greenland: 'Not going to happen'

Secretary of State Antony Blinken dismissed President-elect Trump's idea of the U.S. owning Greenland, saying it's "obviously" not going to happen. "The idea expressed about Greenland is obviously not a good one,

by: MSN

Historian reveals how Hitler 'dismantled' democracy in less than two months

After Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor in 1933, he promptly packed the government full of loyalists and used Weimar Germany's constitution to turn himself into an absolute dictator.

by: MSN

Maduro Cranks Up Venezuela Repression, Drawing Neighbor's Rebuke

Venezuela's government has unleashed a fresh wave of repression as the opposition plans nationwide protests to denounce Nicolás Maduro's inauguration as president this week.

by: MSN

Trump says he wants to rename Gulf of Mexico and retake Panama Canal during press conference: Live

Trump says he wants to rename Gulf of Mexico and retake Panama Canal during press conference: Live - President-elect held baffling — at times alarming — press event at Mar-a-Lago, wandering from topic

by: MSN

Trump delivers first remarks as certified election winner

President-elect Donald Trump gave remarks on Tuesday morning focused on his economic agenda from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida

by: MSN

FACT CHECK: Did the U.S. Ever 'Own' The Panama Canal?

A post on X claims that the U.S. never "owned" the Panama Canal. Verdict: Misleading The U.S. signed a treaty in 1903 that allowed it to build and operate the Canal. President Jimmy Carter gave control back to Panama in 1978 under a new treaty.

by: MSN

Newfoundland and Labrador Opposition calls to halt vote on Quebec energy deal

Newfoundland and Labrador's Opposition Progressive Conservatives asked the premier today to suspend a vote on a draft energy deal with Quebec's hydro utility until it is reviewed by independent experts.

by: MSN

Nigel Farage accepts award from far-right US Republican after racist 'sink the ships' rant

The Reform UK leader says he didn't hear the vile speech of young Republican Nathan Berger just 45 seconds before he introduced him onto the stage in New York last month

by: MSN

The Toxic Legacy of Jean-Marie Le Pen

Obituary / The elder Le Pen is dead, but far-right populists across the world still echo his mix of violent rhetoric, brazen lies, and outreach to mainstream conservatives. David A. Bell Donald Trump probably doesn't know it,

by: MSN

Kamala Harris to visit Singapore, Bahrain and Germany on final vice-presidential overseas trip

By bno - Taipei Bureau US Vice President Kamala Harris is set to conclude her term with a global trip spanning Singapore, Bahrain and Germany, according to the Associated Press. The journey, scheduled to run from January 13 to 17,

by: MSN

Trump will not rule out force to take Panama Canal, Greenland

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump refused on Tuesday to rule out using military or economic action to pursue acquisition of the Panama Canal and Greenland, part of a broader expansionist agenda he has promoted since winning the Nov.

by: MSN

Young Americans More Concerned About Inflation Than Older Adults: Poll

Younger Americans are much more concerned about inflation when compared to their older counterparts, a poll released on Tuesday found. The economy was one of the most important issues for voters during the 2024 presidential election.

by: MSN

US to announce $500M in weapons to be sent to Ukraine

The U.S. is set to provide Ukraine an additional $500 million in weapons quickly pulled from its existing stockpiles as the Biden administration works to get Kyiv in a stronger negotiating position before President-elect Donald Trump takes office,

by: MSN

France urges EU to get tough on Musk's political comments as bloc struggles for a response

France urged the European Union to use its laws more robustly to defend itself against outside interference and Spain's prime minister lambasted Elon Musk on Wednesday, as the U.S. tech billionaire steps up his comments about European politics.

by: MSN

DOJ To Release Special Counsel Jack Smith's Findings In Trump Jan. 6 Probe

But prosecutors say an expected two-volume report detailing charging decisions for Donald Trump should be partially held back.

by: MSN

Maddow Blog | ACA enrollment reaches new heights, but Republican threats remain

The White House boasted in a written statement about the latest Affordable Care Act enrollment totals: The president and his team have every reason to boast, and it'd be a mistake to see the latest good news is some kind of accident.

by: MSN

'It's ours': Trump says he will change the name of the Gulf of Mexico

President-elect Donald Trump has plans for Texas's coast: naming it something more "American". During remarks at an impromptu press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, Trump said his incoming administration would change the Gulf of Mexico's name because "we do most of the work there" and "it's ours.

by: MSN

Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Freed From Iranian Prison

Italian journalist and podcaster Cecilia Sala has been freed from detention in an Iranian prison, Italy's government has confirmed. The office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said she is on a flight back to Italy,

by: MSN

Garland plans to release Jack Smith's Jan. 6 report over Trump's objections

Attorney General Merrick Garland in a court filing on Wednesday said the Justice Department plans to release publicly special counsel Jack Smith's findings on Donald Trump's alleged efforts to subvert 2020 election results.

by: MSN

Trump Spurs Wind Power Share Plunge After No Windmills Vow

Shares in some of Europe's biggest wind power companies fell Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump said he aimed to have no new windmills in the US after taking office.

by: MSN

DOGE, looking to slash federal spending, is hiring full-time, salaried employees

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's Department of Government Efficiency, a nongovernmental advisory group created to slash the federal government's budget, is looking to hire "a very small number" of full-time,

by: MSN

Maddow Blog | When Trump directs veiled threats at a NATO ally, it's a problem

Donald Trump's veiled threats toward a NATO ally aren't just ridiculous, they also expose a scam at the heart of his MAGA vision.

by: MSN

Pennington County gets new county commissioners

A new year means new faces in various roles, that includes new county commissioners. Ron Weifenbach and Jerry Derr were sworn in as Pennington County Commissioners on Tuesday. Seventh Circuit Court Judge Heidi Linngren swore the commissioners in for district two and four.

by: MSN

Trump Echoes Putin's Propaganda, Shifts Blame For Ukraine Invasion Onto NATO and Biden

Donald Trump has sharply criticized President Joe Biden for mishandling tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and NATO, accusing the U.S. leader of sparking the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump argued that Biden's push for Ukraine to join NATO,

by: MSN

How Justin Trudeau captured the zeitgeist, and how he lost it

TORONTO — In his early days as prime minister, Justin Trudeau was "cool." In the year that followed his majority sweep into power, he appeared in the pages of Vogue, on the cover of a Marvel comic book and on "The Daily Show,

by: MSN

Wednesday briefing: Los Angeles fires; Trump's Greenland and Gulf of Mexico comments; Meta fact checks; winter storm; and more

Firefighters are struggling to contain wildfires in Los Angeles. Donald Trump declined to rule out military or economic force to expand the U.S. Meta will stop fact-checking on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

by: MSN

Labour MSP tells UK Government 'it's not too late' to compensate Waspi women for pension changes

Monica Lennon told the Record people remained "upset and angry" at the decision taken by Keir Starmer's Government.

by: MSN

Elon Musk seeks to install himself as global dictator - and 'so far it's working': expert

Elon Musk is building a framework to dominate the global political order with himself standing above nation states, according to an expert analysis. The tech mogul and the world's richest man injected hundreds of millions of dollars into Donald Trump's re-election campaign and is said to be sitting by his side as something like an unelected

by: MSN

Bracing for Trump, Mexico aims to roll out a 'panic app' for Mexican nationals being deported

Bracing for Trump and his threatened migrant roundups, Mexico aims to roll out a 'panic app' for Mexican nationals facing deportation from the United States.

by: MSN

As Maryland lawmakers start new session, a budget crisis looms large

The Maryland General Assembly kicks off the 2025 legislative session on Wednesday where lawmakers will confront a $3 billion budget shortfall.

by: MSN

Court decision on Cuomo ethics commission under scrutiny, appeal

Andrew Cuomo faced off on Tuesday before the state's top court. The Court of Appeals hearing concerned Cuomo's lawsuit against the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG). The New York State Legislature created the 11-member commission to handle concerns about corruption among state officials and lobbyists.

Court decision on Cuomo ethics commission under scrutiny, appeal

Andrew Cuomo faced off on Tuesday before the state's top court. The Court of Appeals hearing concerned Cuomo's lawsuit against the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG). The New York State Legislature created the 11-member commission to handle concerns about corruption among state officials and lobbyists.
The article discusses a recent court decision regarding the ethics commission established by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The New York Court of Appeals ruled that the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) was unconstitutional, arguing that it infringed on the governor's powers by not being under his direct control. This decision has sparked significant debate and scrutiny, with critics arguing that it undermines efforts to maintain governmental transparency and accountability. The ruling has led to an appeal, as supporters of the commission believe it's crucial for preventing corruption and ensuring ethical conduct among state officials. The case has broader implications for how ethics oversight is structured in New York and potentially in other states, raising questions about the balance of power between the executive and independent oversight bodies.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/court-decision-on-cuomo-ethics-commission-under-scrutiny-appeal/ar-AA1x8Hdl

Like: 👍

Similar Politics and Government Publications
The Supreme Court's lightning-fast judgment this month on how the foreshore and seabed law should be interpreted has had the intended effect but it may be only short-term. In ru
A temporary block of Indiana's near-total abortion ban will remain in place for just a few women who filed a religious freedom lawsuit challenging the law after a split Indiana Supreme Court chose not to hear an appeal in the case.
The U.S. Supreme Court, turning away another case involving transgender issues, declined on Monday to hear a bid to revive a lawsuit against a public school district in Wisconsin over a policy to support gender identity of students that some parents challenged on religious rights and other grounds.
Attorney General-elect Derek Brown said he will establish an ethics committee within his office to achieve a "gold standard" of transparency.
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema has been accused of using campaign funds to splurge on travel expenses for trips to Europe, Japan, the U.K., Aspen and "California wine country." The post 'Flagrant and serious violations': Senator accused of illegally using campaign funds to splurge on pricey trips to Europe and 'California wine country' first appeared on Law & Crime.
John Yoo, a former clerk for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and the former deputy assistant attorney general, warned on a podcast this week that Donald Trump may cause a "constitutional earthquake" with some of his suggested plans once he takes office.
The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a conservative-leaning ethics watchdog, released a year-end round up of 2024's worst ethics violations committed by public officials that the group investigated this year.
Fla., weighs in on the drone debacle, whether the Department of Defense is still using drones from Chinese-owned DJI, extending Trump's tax cuts and RFK Jr.'s plans for the HHS.

on: Mon, Dec 16th 2024
by: MSN

The purse and the sword

The separation of powers in the main branches of government is a hallmark of democracies, allowing checks and balances. I recall learning about the three branches—the executive, the legislative, and the judicial—as early as high school,
The Supreme Court has turned back an appeal from Peter Navarro, the former Trump White House official who is set to return in his second term after serving prison time on contempt of Congress charges.
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to wade into Peter Navarro's yearslong battle with the government over presidential records, brushing aside an appeal from President-elect Donald Trump's former trade adviser without hearing from the Biden administration in the case.