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riots

Opinion: Why isn’t the House Judiciary Committee looking into red flags about Clarence Thomas?

by Emma Walker – News Editor November 13, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Jordan‘s Focus⁣ on Trump Raises Questions as Thomas Ethics Concerns Go⁤ Unaddressed

WASHINGTON – ⁢While ‍the Senate Judiciary Committee moves to‌ address ethical questions surrounding Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, the house Judiciary Committee,⁣ now led ⁣by Representative Jim Jordan,⁤ has conspicuously shifted its ‍focus to investigations benefiting former President Donald ⁤Trump, prompting criticism that‌ the committee is prioritizing partisan loyalty over its stated role‍ as “the lawyer for the House of Representatives.”

The ⁤contrast⁣ in ⁢approaches‌ comes ⁢as reporting continues to surface regarding financial dealings between Justice Thomas and Harlan Crow, raising concerns‌ about potential conflicts‍ of interest. In response,‍ the Senate ‍Judiciary⁢ Committee announced plans for a hearing “on the need to restore confidence in the Supreme ⁣Court’s ethical standards,” and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Representative Hank Johnson have formally requested a referral of Thomas to the Attorney General for potential⁣ violations of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

However, the House ⁤January 6 committee’s report identified Jordan‍ as “a⁤ meaningful player in ⁣President Trump’s efforts” to overturn the 2020⁢ election. The report detailed Jordan’s involvement,‍ including ⁣leading a conference call on January 2, 2021, with Trump and other ⁢members of Congress to discuss strategies for‌ delaying the January⁤ 6th joint session. Despite a subpoena, Jordan refused to cooperate with the January 6‍ committee’s investigation.

This history has led to accusations that under Jordan, the⁢ House Judiciary Committee is now‍ functioning as “the lawyer for Donald ⁤J. Trump,” with taxpayers footing the bill for investigations aligned ⁢with the former president’s interests while⁣ legitimate ethical concerns regarding a Supreme court⁢ Justice appear to be⁢ sidelined.

November 13, 2025 0 comments

World

Title: Tanzania Election: Hassan Wins Landslide Amidst Protests and Concerns

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 1, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

DAR ES SALAAM, ⁣Tanzania – Tanzanian President Samia⁤ Suluhu Hassan has secured a landslide victory in⁤ Wednesday’s presidential election, winning‌ over⁢ 97% of the vote, according⁤ to⁣ official results announced by the National Electoral Commission. The outcome extends ⁤the⁢ Chama⁣ cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s decades-long rule since⁤ Tanzania’s independence from Britain⁤ in 1961.

The election took ⁤place ‍amid concerns over political repression and restrictions on opposition ⁤groups.‍ Chadema opposition leader ‍Freeman Mbowe has been jailed for months ‍on treason charges following calls for electoral ⁢reforms. Luhaga Mpina, of the ACT-Wazalendo group,⁤ was barred from running.

Rights groups,including Amnesty ‍International,reported a pattern of‍ enforced disappearances,arbitrary arrests,and extrajudicial killings in the ⁣lead-up to the polls. ‍A United Nations panel of human rights experts cited over 200‍ cases‍ of ‍enforced disappearance since 2019, expressing alarm ⁤over “a pattern of repression.” The International⁢ crisis Group noted an “unprecedented crackdown on political opponents” under Hassan’s leadership, citing restrictions on ⁣social media platforms like X⁢ and JamiiForums, and intimidation‌ of⁢ critical voices.

Critics argue Hassan’s approach⁢ differs from previous leaders ⁣who, while maintaining control, tolerated a degree⁤ of opposition. Her leadership is described as⁤ more authoritarian, contrasting with youth-led democracy movements gaining traction elsewhere in the‌ region.

CCM⁣ maintains ties ⁢with the Communist Party of china and is deeply integrated with the Tanzanian state, ‍controlling the⁤ security‍ apparatus and ⁢facilitating leadership‍ transitions every five ⁤to ten ‌years. This orderly succession⁤ has contributed⁤ to Tanzania’s reputation for political stability and ‍peace, ‌bolstering‌ CCM’s support, especially in rural‍ areas.

November 1, 2025 0 comments

World

Title: Tanzania Election: Hassan Wins Landslide Amidst Protests and Concerns

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 1, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Dodoma, Tanzania – Samia Suluhu Hassan ‌has secured a second term as President of Tanzania wiht an ⁢overwhelming majority, official results ⁤announced today show. Hassan‌ won more‌ than 97% of the vote in an election marred by accusations of repression and a crackdown on political⁢ opposition, ⁢continuing the decades-long dominance of the Chama Cha ⁢Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

The landslide victory mirrors⁤ patterns ‍seen⁣ elsewhere in the ⁤region, where genuine electoral competition is rare. Victory is uncommon in East ‍Africa; only President Paul Kagame of Rwanda regularly wins by similar margins. However, rights groups including Amnesty International ⁢documented a ⁤disturbing trend of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings in Tanzania leading up to the polls.

A United Nations panel of human rights experts reported over 200 cases of enforced‍ disappearance since⁤ 2019, ‌expressing alarm ⁢over “a pattern of‍ repression”⁣ ahead of the election. The International ‌Crisis group noted ⁢Hassan oversaw “an unprecedented crackdown⁢ on⁤ political opponents,” including restrictions ⁣on freedom⁣ of expression – a ban ⁢on X ‍(formerly Twitter)⁢ and limitations on ‍the Tanzanian digital platform JamiiForums – and the intimidation or arrest of critical voices.

Despite a move towards multi-party politics in⁤ 1992, Tanzania has largely maintained single-party rule under the CCM, which has governed since the country’s independence from Britain in 1961. Critics contrast Hassan’s increasingly authoritarian style with that ⁢of previous leaders who, while maintaining control, allowed for a degree of opposition.‌

The CCM is deeply intertwined with⁢ the Tanzanian state, controlling ⁣the security apparatus and facilitating leadership transitions within⁣ the party. Hassan ⁣herself ascended to ⁤the presidency without disruption following the sudden ‌death‍ of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli, during ⁢his ‌second term. This orderly transition reinforced Tanzania’s reputation for political stability and peace, contributing to the CCM’s strong support, particularly in rural areas.

November 1, 2025 0 comments

News

It’s been 20 years since the Cronulla Riots. So what have we learned?

by Emma Walker – News Editor October 26, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Cronulla ⁢Riots: Two Decades On,Racism Remains a ‘Structural Problem’

Sydney,Australia – Twenty years after the violent cronulla riots erupted on Sydney’s beaches,experts warn that while the immediate fallout has subsided,the underlying issues of racism and social division persist – and⁣ in certain specific cases,are escalating. The December 2005 unrest, sparked by a series of beachside clashes and⁣ fueled by inflammatory text messages, saw ‌thousands descend on⁤ cronulla Beach targeting people perceived to be of Middle Eastern descent.

The anniversary arrives amid growing concern over a nationwide ⁢surge in various ‌forms of racism, from anti-Chinese sentiment during the COVID-19 ⁣pandemic to increased anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian⁣ bias linked to recent global events.Experts say the riots served ⁢as a stark warning, yet ‍systemic issues remain⁣ unaddressed, allowing prejudice to fester and erupt in new‍ forms.

Dr. Yin Paradhan, a researcher at the Australian National University who ⁤studies racism and discrimination, recently highlighted significant increases in interpersonal racism. he pointed to specific examples: towards people of Chinese origin⁢ during ‌COVID; towards First peoples during the Voice referendum, and a huge jump in anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian ‍racism over the last year and a half. “We’ve got to stop pretending that these are ⁣just random or isolated occurrences ⁤and recognize that they’re part of a structural problem,” he said. “If your structures are racist or broken, they allow racism to occur.”

The Cronulla riots began after a⁤ series⁤ of incidents involving ⁣surf⁢ lifesavers and young men of⁢ Middle Eastern appearance. False rumors spread via SMS,inciting ⁣a large-scale gathering ‍at Cronulla Beach on december ‌11,2005. The crowd, estimated ⁢to be between 5,000 and 10,000, engaged in violence, targeting individuals they believed were responsible for the earlier incidents. Retaliatory‍ attacks occurred in subsequent days ‌in areas ‍with large Middle Eastern communities. Over 100 ⁢people were arrested,⁢ and numerous injuries were reported.

While the ‌immediate response focused on policing and community dialogue, critics argue that deeper societal issues – ⁤including media depiction, socio-economic disadvantage, and ⁤systemic ‌biases within institutions – were ‍not adequately addressed. The riots prompted inquiries and reports, including one by the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry, which identified failures in police response and highlighted the role of inflammatory media coverage.

Today, organizations like Lifeline (13 11 14), Full Stop Australia ⁤(1800 ⁢385 ⁢578), 13YARN (13 92 76), and⁣ MensLine‌ Australia (1300 789 978) offer support to those affected by racism and discrimination. The‍ legacy of ⁤Cronulla serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of social cohesion and the urgent need for ongoing efforts to dismantle structural racism and ⁣promote inclusivity.

Stream‍ all episodes of I Was Actually There free on ABC iview or watch⁣ Tuesdays on ABC TV at 8.00 pm.

October 26, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Navy Admiral Defends Non-Binary Sailor Amid GOP Criticism

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor September 20, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

WASHINGTON – Top⁢ Navy Admiral Michael Gilday publicly defended a non-binary sailor’s right to serve, rebuffing criticism ⁤from some Republican lawmakers ⁢who have questioned the military’s focus on diversity initiatives amid ongoing recruitment ⁤challenges. The defense came during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, where Gilday was pressed on the Navy’s⁣ policies regarding gender identity.

The exchange underscores a growing tension between the Biden administration’s push for greater inclusivity within ⁤the armed⁣ forces and resistance ⁤from some Republicans who argue such efforts distract from ⁣military readiness and contribute to declining enlistment numbers. While the ⁣Navy and other branches have maintained ‍that diversity training and inclusive policies do not ‌detract from combat effectiveness, critics point to recruitment‌ shortfalls as evidence to the ‍contrary.During the hearing, Representative Jim Banks questioned Gilday about the Navy’s decision to allow a non-binary sailor, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica O’Brien, to serve openly and use the pronouns they/them in official communications. Banks suggested the Navy was prioritizing “wokeness” over readiness.

Gilday ⁤responded firmly, stating, “Petty Officer O’Brien is a ‌highly qualified sailor, and they are serving honorably. I stand by my decision to allow them to serve openly.” He added ⁣that the Navy’s focus remains on maintaining a combat-ready force, and that diversity is a strength.

The admiral’s comments echo similar defenses offered by other military leaders in recent months. In March, Sergeant major of the Army Michael Grinston testified ‍before Congress that despite additional training on diversity and inclusion, the military’s primary focus remains on “combat lethality.” Grinston highlighted that recruits receive substantially more training in rifle marksmanship – 92 hours in basic training,and 165 hours in One Station Unit Training – than in⁣ equal opportunity training,which comprises ‌just one hour.Recent data suggests concerns about “wokeness” are not a primary driver of recruitment difficulties. An‍ Army survey revealed that only 5% of potential recruits expressed concern about such‍ issues. However, Republican lawmakers, including Representative Cory Mills, have continued to voice opposition to diversity, equity, and⁣ inclusion ‍training, with Mills quipping, “We‍ absolutely 150% can out-pronoun every single one of our adversaries.”

Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gil ⁣Cisneros has countered these claims, noting that diversity and equal opportunity training have⁢ been integral to the military for decades. The debate ⁢is highly likely to continue as the Pentagon‌ grapples with⁣ ongoing recruitment challenges and seeks to balance inclusivity with maintaining a highly effective fighting force.

September 20, 2025 0 comments

News

Florida Sheriff Warns Protesters: Don’t Attack Deputies

by Emma Walker – News Editor June 13, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Florida Officials Vow Crackdown on Immigration Protests, Sheriff issues Stark Warning

Table of Contents

Florida Officials Vow Crackdown on Immigration Protests, Sheriff issues Stark Warning

Amidst rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement,Florida officials have declared a zero-tolerance policy for violent protests,with one sheriff issuing a stark warning that any aggression towards law enforcement will be met with deadly force. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated at a recent news conference that individuals who attack deputies with bricks, firebombs, or guns will face fatal consequences.These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the ACLU of Florida, which cautioned law enforcement agencies against the use of excessive force against protesters.

Sheriff’s Warning and State’s stance

Sheriff Ivey’s comments, made on June 12, followed a series of protests in Los Angeles against immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.He asserted that while peaceful protest is welcome,any escalation to violence would be met with decisive action. “If you hit one of us, you’re going to the hospital and jail, and most likely get bitten by one of our big, stunning dogs that we have here,” Ivey stated. “If you throw a brick, a fire bomb or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains, because we will kill you, graveyard dead. We’re not going to play.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier echoed this sentiment, declaring that “Florida will ‘never become California,'” referencing the perception of California as having more lenient policies towards undocumented immigrants and related protests. The state has promised to protect ICE officers, offering support from the Florida highway Patrol if they feel threatened or intimidated Florida Highway Patrol.

Did You Know? Florida’s “anti-riot” law, passed in 2021, allows for criminal charges against peaceful protesters if their actions lead to violence.

ACLU’s Response and Concerns

the ACLU of florida swiftly condemned Sheriff Ivey’s statements, calling them “extremely un-American” and “unbecoming for an elected leader sworn to protect the public” ACLU of Florida. The organization warned that law enforcement agencies could face importent financial penalties for using excessive force against protesters exercising their First Amendment rights. The ACLU’s stance underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between maintaining order and protecting civil liberties during protests.

Since President Trump’s governance began increasing deportation efforts, anti-ICE protests have spread across the nation.While many protests remain peaceful, some have devolved into clashes between protesters and law enforcement, involving incidents of thrown rocks and Molotov cocktails Executive Office for Immigration Review.

“No Kings Day” Protests Looming

as of June 14, approximately 2,000 “No Kings Day” demonstrations are planned across the United States, with over 75 protests scheduled in Florida alone. These protests, organized in opposition to President Trump’s policies, raise concerns about potential clashes and the need for law enforcement to manage large gatherings while respecting protesters’ rights.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about local protest schedules and potential road closures to avoid disruptions.

Florida’s Strategy for Immigration Enforcement

florida is actively developing a “blueprint” for mass deportation, incorporating riot response tactics that other states can adopt. Larry Keefe, the executive director of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, emphasized the importance of supporting federal law enforcement officers and their families, irrespective of the state in which they are serving. According to data released in May 2025, the Florida Highway Patrol has detained over 2,000 undocumented immigrants in recent months Department of Homeland Security.

FHP Col. Gary Howze stated that the state has detained more than 2,000 undocumented immigrants in the past several months.

Key Figures in Florida’s Immigration Stance
Official	Title	Statement/Action
sheriff Wayne Ivey	Brevard county Sheriff	Warned of deadly force against violent protesters.
James Uthmeier	Florida Attorney General	Declared Florida will “never become California.”
Larry Keefe	Executive Director, State Board of Immigration Enforcement	Developing a “blueprint” for mass deportation.
Gary Howze	FHP Col.	Reported over 2,000 undocumented immigrants detained recently.

Questions for Discussion

How can law enforcement balance the need to maintain order during protests with the protection of First amendment rights?

What are the potential long-term impacts of Florida’s strict stance on immigration enforcement and protests?

evergreen Insights: The Evolving Landscape of Immigration Protests

immigration protests in the United States have a long and complex history,ofen reflecting broader societal debates about immigration policy,civil rights,and social justice.These protests have evolved significantly over time, influenced by changing demographics, political climates, and technological advancements. Historically, immigration protests were often localized and focused on specific issues, such as deportation raids or discriminatory practices. Though,with the rise of social media and increased national attention on immigration policy,protests have become more widespread and coordinated.

The current wave of anti-ICE protests is part of this historical continuum, reflecting ongoing concerns about the treatment of undocumented immigrants and the role of federal agencies in enforcing immigration laws. These protests often draw support from a diverse coalition of activists, community organizations, and advocacy groups, united by a shared commitment to immigrant rights and social justice. The response from law enforcement to these protests has also varied, ranging from peaceful dialog to aggressive tactics, depending on the location and the specific circumstances of the protest.

Looking ahead, it is indeed likely that immigration protests will continue to be a significant feature of the American political landscape, especially as debates about immigration reform and border security continue to intensify. understanding the historical context and the evolving dynamics of these protests is essential for policymakers, law enforcement officials, and community leaders seeking to navigate this complex and often contentious issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Protests in Florida

What is the “No Kings Day” protest and what are its goals?: “No Kings Day” protests are demonstrations organized in opposition to President Trump’s policies, particularly those related to immigration. The goals vary but generally include advocating for immigrant rights, protesting deportation policies, and promoting social justice.
What is Florida’s “anti-riot” law and how does it affect protests?: Florida’s “anti-riot” law, passed in 2021, allows for criminal charges against peaceful protesters if their actions lead to violence. this law has raised concerns about potential restrictions on freedom of assembly and the right to protest.
What are the potential consequences for protesters who engage in violence in Florida?: Protesters who engage in violence in Florida may face criminal charges, including assault, battery, and rioting. Sheriff Ivey has also warned of deadly force against those who attack law enforcement officers.
How is Florida preparing for potential unrest during immigration protests?: Florida is developing a “blueprint” for mass deportation,incorporating riot response tactics that other states can adopt. The state is also offering support from the florida Highway Patrol to ICE officers who feel threatened or intimidated.
What is the ACLU of Florida’s position on the state’s response to immigration protests?: The ACLU of Florida has criticized the state’s response to immigration protests, particularly Sheriff Ivey’s warning of deadly force. The organization has cautioned law enforcement agencies against the use of excessive force and has vowed to defend the rights of protesters.
Where can I find reliable information about upcoming immigration protests in Florida?: Reliable information about upcoming immigration protests in Florida can be found through local news outlets, community organizations, and advocacy groups that support immigrant rights. It’s critically important to verify information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
What are the legal rights of individuals participating in protests related to immigration in Florida?: Individuals participating in protests related to immigration in Florida have the right to peacefully assemble and express their views, as protected by the First Amendment. Though, these rights are not absolute and might potentially be subject to reasonable restrictions to maintain public order and safety.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.consult with a qualified professional for specific legal guidance.

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June 13, 2025 0 comments

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