North Carolina Republicans censure Sen Thom Tillis for backing LGBT+ rights
Republican delegates in North Carolina voted Saturday at their annual convention to censure Thom Tillis, the state’s senior US senator, for backing LGBT+ rights, immigration and gun violence policies. As Sen Tillis has gained influence in Congress for his willingness to work across the aisle, his record of supporting some key policies has raised concerns among some state Republicans that the senator has strayed from conservative values. Several delegates in Greensboro criticised Mr Tillis, who has held his seat in the Senate since 2015, for his work last year on the Respect For Marriage Act, which enshrined protections for same-sex and interracial marriages in federal law. Both the state and national GOP platforms oppose same-sex marriage. But Mr Tillis, who had opposed it earlier in his political career, was among the early supporters of the law who lobbied his GOP colleagues in Congress to vote in favor of it. Others criticised him for challenging former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and for supporting a measure that provided funds for red flag laws, which allow state courts to authorize the temporary removal of firearms from people who they believe might pose a danger to themselves or others. The North Carolina senator initially opposed Mr Trump’s plan to use military construction dollars to build a wall along the nation’s southern border, but he eventually shifted his position. Tillis spokesperson Daniel Keylin defended the senator’s voting record, writing in an email to The Associated Press that he “keeps his promises and delivers results.” “He will never apologize for his work passing the largest tax cut in history, introducing legislation to secure the border and end sanctuary cities, delivering desperately-needed funding to strengthen school safety and protecting the rights of churches to worship freely based on their belief in traditional marriage,” Mr Keylin said. While the vote Saturday, which took place behind closed doors, cannot remove Mr Tillis from office, supporters said they hope it sends a firm message of dissatisfaction. A two-thirds majority of the state party’s 1,801 voting delegates was needed for the resolution to pass, party spokesperson Jeff Moore said. “We need people who are unwavering in their support for conservative ideals,” said Jim Forster, an 81-year-old delegate from Guilford. “His recent actions don’t reflect the party’s shift to the right — in fact, they’re moving in the exact wrong direction.” Several state legislators, including Sen Bobby Hanig of Currituck County, criticised the decision, saying it’s a bad idea to create more divisions within the party ahead of an election year when party unity will be paramount. “I believe that a mob mentality doesn’t do us any good,” Mr Hanig said. “Senator Tillis does a lot for North Carolina, he does a lot for the coastal communities, so why would I want to make him mad?” State Sen Jim Burgin of Harnett County said the vote to censure Mr Tillis sets a dangerous precedent and does not allow enough flexibility for individual interpretation of party values. Burgin questioned whether his own vote last month for North Carolina’s 12-week abortion ban would similarly put him at risk of being censured because it’s out of line with the Republican platform, which states that life begins at conception. “I don’t think we need to be attacking our own,” he said. “You don’t shoot your own elephants.” Read More ‘We’re here to love each other in the face of hatred:’ Colorado Springs celebrates first Pride since Club Q massacre ‘I don’t hold my husband’s hand in the street’: The sobering reality of being a queer parent Biden marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month with White House South Lawn celebration Scott rolls out dozens of South Carolina lawmakers and local leaders endorsing his presidential bid North Carolina Republicans rally around Trump after indictment Trump pledges to endorse Mark Robinson for North Carolina governor
2023-06-12 20:54
Who is Aileen Cannon? The Trump-appointed judge overseeing his classified documents case
A Florida district judge assigned to oversee Donald Trump’s classified documents case is attracting criticism ahead of his court appearance in Miami – given that it was Mr Trump himself who elevated her to the bench three years ago. Unless she chooses to recuse herself, Aileen Cannon, a federal judge with the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, will be placed in charge of the timing and progression of the criminal case as well as rulings on motions brought by the defence and prosecution. If the former president is then convicted, she would also be tasked with handing down a sentence to the very man who nominated her to that position. Mr Trump is charged with 37 felony counts related to the mishandling of presidential records, including highly-sensitive national defence information, since his departure from the White House in January 2021. He has so far insisted that he he is “an innocent man” in angry statements and postings to Truth Social, alleging that he is the victim of “rabid wolves” and the “weaponisation” of the justice system by the “corrupt” Joe Biden administration, even as the indictment revealed photos of boxes of files stacked high in the glitzy ballrooms and bathrooms of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. Angela Noble, the court’s chief clerk, has insisted that “normal procedures were followed” in assigning Judge Cannon and magistrate judge Bruce Reinhart to the case after their names appeared on Thursday’s summons. However, Judge Cannon has already come under fire for delivering rulings widely considered favourable to Mr Trump over the course of the investigation into the classified documents. After the FBI executed a search warrant in August 2022 to enter Mar-a-Lago and search for classified documents, lawyers for Mr Trump filed a complaint arguing that the search had been illegitimate and unconstitutional. Judge Cannon subsequently issued an order prohibiting the US government from “further review and use of any of the materials” seized from Mar-a-Lago “for criminal investigative purposes”. The ruling attracted concern in legal circles as an unprecedented instance of a federal judge assuming the authority to halt a pre-indictment criminal investigation into a suspect. Her ruling was later reversed by the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Judge Cannon also last year sided with Mr Trump’s request that an independent special master be appointed to review the documents before they could be examined by the Justice Department, a decision that was branded “deeply flawed” by Mr Trump’s own former attorney general Bill Barr. After appointing special master Raymond Dearie, Judge Cannon then overruled a number of his procedural proposals and sided with Mr Trump’s attorneys on several key points. The appeals court ruled that Judge Cannon had “improperly exercised equitable jurisdiction” and directed her to stand down from the case. Slate legal analyst Mark Joseph Stern called that decision “one of the most humiliating appellate smackdowns in recent history, a total demolition of literally every action that Cannon had taken from the outset of the case”, also labelling the judge “a venal mediocrity”. He also suggested that the “total lack of principle” and “evident incapacity to experience shame” was likely to prove beneficial to Mr Trump once again this summer. Judge Cannon is of American-Cuban descent and was born in Cali, Colombia, in 1981. She was raised in Miami where she attended the Ransom Everglades School, then Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and then the University of Michigan Law School. She clerked for an appellate judge in Iowa for one year after graduating, then worked for the corporate law firm Gibson Dunn in Washington DC, from 2009 to 2012 and then as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of Florida, based out of Fort Pierce, from 2013 to 2020. Following her nomination by Mr Trump, she was confirmed as a federal judge by the US Senate in November 2020 in the dying days of his one-term administration. Her appointment to the bench came just 12 years after she first qualified to practice law, the minimum experience the American Bar Association requires nominees to have. Judge Cannon is a registered Republican, has been a member of the conservative Federalist Society since 2005 and reportedly donated $100 to Florida governor Ron DeSantis’s gubernatorial election campaign in 2018. Read More Trump news – latest: Trump heads to Miami ahead of arraignment as Bill Barr says ex-president is ‘toast’ Trump’s favourability rises in poll despite indictment Jonathan Turley tells Fox News the Trump indictment is ‘extremely damning’ and a ‘hit below the waterline’ Ivanka and Jared split over attending Trump 2024 launch – follow live Why was Donald Trump impeached twice during his first term? Four big lies Trump told during his 2024 presidential announcement
2023-06-12 20:53
Turkish Stocks Soar to Record High on Hopes of Policy Shift
Turkish stocks surged to record highs, while the lira remained at all-time lows, as the appointment of two
2023-06-12 20:51
Bernardo Silva informs Manchester City he wants to leave the club
Bernardo Silva has informed Manchester City that he wants to leave the club this summer, with Barcelona and PSG interested in the player.
2023-06-12 20:49
Khloe Kardashian changed son Tatum's last name from Kardashian to Thompson, sources claim
Khloe Kardashian 'took a little while to settle on the name' but eventually zeroed in on Tatum and Robert as the boy's first and middle names
2023-06-12 20:48
Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's tarnished 3-time premier, dies at 86
Silvio Berlusconi cast a spell over Italy — and nearly led it to financial ruin
2023-06-12 20:28
Minnesota retires jersey of rebounding ace Sylvia Fowles, helped Lynx win 2 WNBA titles
Sylvia Fowles has always deflected praise to others
2023-06-12 20:28
Replacement for Granit Xhaka and a No9 for Mauricio Pochettino: Transfer targets for every Premier League club
With the 2022/23 season completed and Premier League clubs now focused on the summer transfer window, WhoScored.com take a look at which players suit each team’s biggest need over the next eight weeks. First up: from Arsenal to Fulham. Arsenal What do they need - central midfielder Who should they sign - Moises Caicedo With Granit Xhaka set for a Bundesliga return, Arsenal need at least two central midfielders this summer. Declan Rice remains the priority for the Gunners, yet the West Ham star can’t be the only middle man that arrives this summer ahead of their return to the Champions League. Moises Caicedo is another linked with Arsenal and would offer an ball-carrying outlet from deep as well as terrific defensive capabilities to help fill the void that will be left once Xhaka departs. Aston Villa What do they need - winger Who should they sign - Harvey Barnes Having secured a return to European football on the final day of the season, Aston Villa are aware they need to add strength in depth in the off-season ahead of Unai Emery’s first full season at the Villa Park helm. A right-back, winger and striker are the priorities for the Villans this summer, with Harvey Barnes one who’ll tick off a problem position. Barnes’ goal exploits were overshadowed by James Maddison’s form, but the 25-year-old still managed an commendable 13 league goals for the relegated Foxes. Bournemouth What do the need - central midfielder Who should they sign - Tyler Adams Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil worked wonders in the Cherries hotseat following his appointment as Scott Parker’s successor, but if they are to avoid a relegation dogfight, they need to strengthen in key areas. One of those will be in the middle of the park, particularly with Jefferson Lerma departing following the culmination of his contract. Bournemouth could do a lot worse than raid relegated Leeds for Tyler Adams, the American having ranked third for tackles per 90 (3.7) in the Premier League last season. Brentford What do they need - striker Who should they sign - Viktor Gyokeres Ivan Toney’s suspension leaves Brentford a little light up top. Granted, while the Bees have performed well in his absence, they can’t head into the new season without the services of their 20-goal frontman until January. While a short-term addition would suit all parties, Brentford may instead seek to bring Viktor Gyokeres up to the Premier League. Coventry’s failure to secure promotion means the Swede is seemingly up for grabs and having scored 21 and provided 12 assists last season, Thomas Frank’s side would certainly benefit from the 25-year-old’s addition. Brighton What do they need - central midfielder Who should they sign - Enzo Le Fee Brighton are set to lose both Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo this summer and while Mahmoud Dahoud and James Milner are tipped to arrive, the Seagulls still look a little light in the middle of the park. Enzo Le Fee was a standout performer for Lorient this season, yet will depart the French side in the coming weeks, and Brighton would be foolish not to consider the 23-year-old. Le Fee ranked third for tackles (108) and seventh for dribbles (68) in the 2022/23 Ligue 1 campaign, while an additional five goals and five assists has helped boost his reputation. Burnley What do they need - central midfielder Who should they sign - Albert Sambi-Lokonga Burnley will need an overhaul in central midfield this summer. They can’t rely on 33-year-old Jack Cork to help beat the drop next season, and so a player who has worked under Vincent Kompany in the past would be a viable option for the Clarets. Albert Sambi-Lokonga spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, though still struggled for minutes at Selhurst Park. Arsenal are unlikely to rely upon Lokonga next season, noted by their pursuit of high-profile midfielders, so another short-term move would certainly benefit the Belgian. Chelsea What do they need - striker Who should they sign - Victor Osimhen To put it bluntly - Chelsea need a player to put the ball in the back of the net. Christopher Nkunku is set to sign for the Blues, but another striker would certainly aid their quest to launch a sustained title push under Mauricio Pochettino. Victor Osimhen wouldn’t come cheap, the Nigerian having scored more goals (26) than any other player in Serie A this season, yet with Todd Boehly willing to loosen the purse strings, Osimhen could prove the perfect frontman for Chelsea, and one to rid them of the dreaded No.9 curse. Crystal Palace What do they need - right-back Who should they sign - Sacha Boey Crystal Palace were able to muddle through the season with Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne at right-back, but the pair are now 33 and 32 years of age, respectively, and the Eagles could do with some investment in defence ahead of the new season. While he has been linked with Arsenal, Sacha Boey could prove a shrewd capture for the Eagles. The 22-year-old was key in Galatasaray’s title triumph and has made the second most tackles (86) in the Super Lig this season, so a committed body to shore up the defence would certainly be welcomed at Selhurst Park. Everton What do they need - striker Who should they sign - Alfredo Morelos Everton have been linked with a move for Wout Weghorst, the Dutchman having worked under Sean Dyche during their short time together at Turf Moor, as the Toffees seek to sign another striker. However, Weghorst has a poor record in England having scored just two goals in 37 league appearances, so they may be better off perusing the free market. Alfredo Morelos will leave Rangers this summer upon the culmination of his contract and having scored 11 goals and provided five assists in the Scottish Premiership last season, the hot-headed Colombian could prove a handy pick up. Fulham What do they need - centre-back Who should they sign - Harry Maguire Centre-back is hardly a problem position for Fulham, with Tim Ream, Tosin Adarabioyo and Issa Diop all performing admirably for the Cottagers as they beat the drop last season, but with the former now 35, some fresh blood would benefit Marco Silva’s side. Harry Maguire is unlikely to be a Manchester United player once the summer transfer window closes and with their ongoing pursuit of Kim Min-Jae, the England international is expected to leave sooner rather than later. If his England performances are anything to go by, Maguire could prove a solid addition to the Fulham defence, while a fresh start would certainly benefit the 30-year-old. Coming on Tuesday: the ten Premier League teams from Liverpool to Wolves. Read More Toney compares ban to missing out on World Cup squad Pep’s future and Premier League charges – Where next for Man City after treble? Ward-Prowse, Maddison and 12 transfer targets after relegation Football rumours: Wilfried Zaha eyes move to Paris St Germain Wembley Stadium launches dementia friendly match-day experience Tottenham progressing in bid to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya
2023-06-12 20:21
JPMorgan reaches settlement with Jeffrey Epstein victims
JPMorgan Chase has settled a class action suit from Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse victims.
2023-06-12 20:15
JPMorgan’s Ultimate Survivor Caught in Crossfire of Jeffrey Epstein Feud
Mary Callahan Erdoes has watched one star executive after another climb to the highest rungs at JPMorgan Chase
2023-06-12 19:59
'He’s got two personalities': Michael Keaton was cast to play Batman for one very specific reason
Many critics were left shocked when Burton chose Keaton to play Bruce Wayne, taking into consideration that he used to be a comedy actor before
2023-06-12 19:55
Tom Hanks delivers cliched excuse for cheating on ex wife Samantha Lewes with Rita Wilson
Despite being married at the time to Samantha Lewes, 'young and insecure' Tom Hanks felt 'real thing' for his now wife Rita Wilson
2023-06-12 19:54
