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New York Post
07-08-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
James Carville urges Dems to ‘unilaterally' pack Supreme Court, make Puerto Rico, DC new blue states ‘to save democracy'
Democratic strategist James Carville urged on Wednesday that Democrats open 'Pandora's Box' and execute multiple controversial power grabs to 'save democracy,' including establishing a permanent electoral majority the next time they gain power. 'The Democrats talk about democracy – the importance of democracy and preserving democracy and saving democracy,' Carville said. 'Well, the truth of the matter is, people are right when they say this democracy is really imperfect.' Carville listed several perceived imbalances in the current system, including Texas attempting to redraw its congressional districts. He argued that if Democrats can pull off a resounding victory in 2028 – winning the presidency, the Senate, and the House – they should use it to enshrine their power in unprecedented ways. 'They are just going to have to unilaterally add Puerto Rico and District of Columbia states,' Carville said. 'They're going to have to do it. They're just going to have to do it. And they may have to expand the [Supreme Court] to 13 members,' he said. While he once would have viewed such actions as politically risky, Carville argued that the Democrats have no other choice in this era of President Donald Trump. 3 Democratic strategist James Carville urged his fellow party members to pack the Supreme Court in the next general election cycle. REUTERS 3 Carville said if the Democratic Party can sweep the 2028 election, they should use it to enshrine their power in unprecedented ways. Getty Images for SCAD 3 Carville said Democrats have no choice but to take advantage of their power in the current era of President Donald Trump. Ron Sachs/CNP / 'Any of those things in isolation I would be skeptical about. I would be cautious about. I would say, 'Well, I don't know if that's the greatest idea in the world, you're opening Pandora's Box,'' he said. 'If you want to save democracy, I think you got to do all of those things because we just are moving further and further away from being anything close to democracy.' Carville said he was unsure if 'it's something that they should talk about during the campaign,' but argued it should be a day one priority once Democrats are elected.
Chicago Tribune
07-08-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Hobart council approves supportive housing apartments
Plans by CoAction to build supportive housing as well as office space for its staff can go forward. Tentative plans are to begin construction in 2026, pending funding of the project which will be known later this year, CoAction chief housing officer Jordan Stanfill said. The Hobart City Council gave unanimous approval on Wednesday to petitioners Stanfill and attorney Todd Leeth. The petitioners sought a rezone in an established PUD or planned unit development to a new planned unit development on 21 acres located on the northwest corner of Grand Boulevard and U.S. 30. Leeth said the property, located in a wetlands area, does offer significant challenges. But the planned 111-unit apartment complex would be built between lakes avoiding the wetland. CoAction was founded in 1965 with a mission to help people be self-sufficient and to advocate for people who need to be supported and represented, according to the CoAction website. In Northwest Indiana, CoAction plans and carries out a variety of programs that serve the unique needs of low-income families and disabled individuals in Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper counties. The first phase of the project would be to build 36 apartments which would include office space for CoAction staff members. A second and third floor with apartments would follow, Stanfill said. Stanfill, at a previous Plan Commission meeting, said the apartments are for those individuals with no place to go and may include those who had been sleeping outside in tents. 'It (the planned housing) is for those in a housing crisis,' Stanfill said. Leeth said the project had one remonstrator, a property owner in the area, but CoAction reached out to her and she was fine with their plans. There were no remonstrators at the meetings but city officials, including Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun, said they had only positive things to say about the organization after visiting their facilities in other communities. 'Welcome to Hobart,' Huddlestun said. In other business, Huddlestun said that there have been many unexpected delays with the contractors going forward with renovations on the Bright Spot restaurant in downtown Hobart. 'It's like Pandora's Box or like a box of chocolate; you never know what you're going to get,' he said.. Work should begin in coming weeks, Huddlestun said. The city has written a letter to officials in New Chicago with regards to renegotiating its ambulance services. Huddlestun said Hobart residents now pay around $1,000 per call for ambulance services while New Chicago residents pay $100 per call. 'We are asking to make the rate more equitable,' he said. The ambulance service agreement with New Chicago ends at the end of the year. The city recently swore in four new firefighters, all with EMT certifications.
The Hill
24-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Federal judge tosses Trump administration effort to end union rights for federal workers
A Trump-appointed federal judge tossed a suit brought by the administration in a preemptive move to strip collective bargaining rights from federal employees. The Trump administration brought the suit in the one-judge district in Texas shortly after signing an order seeking to end union rights at 18 different federal agencies. The suit sought a declaratory judgment from a Waco court that the White House has 'the power to rescind or repudiate' collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) across numerous agencies. But U.S. District Court Judge Alan Albright declined to do so, siding with unions in determining that the plaintiff agencies did not have standing to bring the suit and dismissing the suit. 'Plaintiffs ask this Court to do something it should not and cannot do: issue a declaratory judgment pre-approving the acts of executive agencies absent a legally cognizable injury-in-fact,' Albright wrote in the Wednesday ruling. 'This Court is unable to identify a single instance in which a federal court has exercised jurisdiction over agencies seeking a pre-enforcement declaratory judgment approving their desired future course of conduct.' Albright further wrote that doing so 'could open a Pandora's Box of encouraging the Executive Branch to seek the Judiciary's blessing for every Executive Order prior to implementation.' The move is a blow to the Trump administration, which sought Albright's blessing in a bid to terminate a number of existing collective bargaining agreements signed with unions. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the nation's largest federal employee union, had been highly critical of Trump's move to end bargaining rights at the 18 agencies. Framed as a national security measure, the executive order from Trump sought to end unions rights at a wide range of agencies, including those not traditionally thought to have a national security role. A White House fact sheet at the time said the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 allowing government workers to unionize 'enables hostile Federal unions to obstruct agency management.' AFGE had condemned the action in an email to its members, saying the Trump administration was 'illegally strip[ping] collective bargaining rights from hundreds of thousands of federal workers. 'Let's be clear. National security is not the reason for this action. This is retaliation because our union is standing up for AFGE members—and a warning to every union: fall in line, or else.'
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
uMkhonto weSizwe Party praises SAPS for reinstating Political Killings Task Team
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has unleashed a storm in South Africa's world of intelligence. His explosive disclosures have triggered a deluge of questions, literally opening Pandora's Box. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has expressed renewed confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the reinstatement of the Political Killings Task Team, describing the move as a pivotal step towards restoring justice for victims of politically and criminally motivated violence that has engulfed the nation. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlhela praised the task team for their "perseverance and professionalism," which he said had illuminated numerous crimes that might have otherwise faded into obscurity. Nhlamulo Ndhlela affirms the MK Party's confidence in the re-establishment of the SAPS "Political Killings Task Team," Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "We celebrate the effectiveness of the Political Killings Task Team, which has already arrested and charged 436 individuals; this is clear evidence of their capabilities," Ndlhela noted. Ndlhela articulated a strong stance on the principle that 'justice delayed is justice denied,' underscoring the urgency for swift action in the pursuit of justice for all victims. Ndlhela rejected calls for a judicial commission of inquiry intended to scrutinise allegations made by General Mkhwanazi regarding the now-suspended police minister, Senzo Mchunu's alleged collusion with criminal elements. He argued that such a commission could only serve to delay justice even further. "We urge General Mkhwanazi and the Political Killings Task Team to act swiftly and make additional arrests, including any of those implicated politicians, parliamentarians, and members of the judiciary, specifically naming Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya,' Ndlhela asserted. In a show of support for the task team, Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe echoed sentiments of gratitude towards the team's diligent work, stating that Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola was pleased with the task team's progress. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola spoke to the media after signing a memorandum following the "Hands Off Mkhwanazi" march in Durban. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers "General Masemola is optimistic about the hope that their ongoing investigations will ultimately bring closure to the affected families,' Mathe conveyed. Highlighting the commitment of law enforcement personnel, she said, "Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is the culmination of hard work and dedication to justice. It is crucial that we take our time to ensure a thorough investigation, so we can present a strong case before the court." The MK Party has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the task team, applauding their unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, especially in cases fraught with political sensitivities. "We urge the continuation of their mandate, free from political interference, and we remain resolute in our call for full accountability. We reiterate that justice must never be compromised,' Ndlhela urged. DAILY NEWS
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Fighting between Iran, Israel raises questions about Russia's influence in Middle East
When the United States joined Israel this weekend in attacking Iran 's nuclear sites, the outrage and condemnation flowed from Russia . Moscow 's UN ambassador said Washington was opening "a Pandora's Box," and Tehran's top diplomat rushed to the Kremlin to seek support from President Vladimir Putin. But in his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday, Putin offered only more words of condemnation of the strikes as "unprovoked aggression" with "no basis or justification." Analysts say that muted response without any apparent military aid is likely to disappoint Iran and reflects Russia's diminished influence in the Middle East, where it already has lost a key ally and is seeking a delicate diplomatic balance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo Moscow could instead realise some short-term benefits from the Iran-Israel war, such as increased oil prices to aid Russia's sinking economy, or distracting the world's attention from its 3-year-old war in Ukraine. An ally in need of help Live Events Russia's ties with Iran have grown since the start of Putin's 'full-scale invasion of Ukraine' in 2022, with Tehran supplying Moscow with Shahed drones and the technology to build them. The drones have been a key weapon in the war. The Kremlin praised the new era of Russian-Iranian relations in January 2025, when Moscow and Tehran signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at nurturing economic, political and military ties. Its timing was significant, says Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow for the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House. "This was done after (2024), which was a very bad year for Iran," he said, having lost regional allies amid the ouster of Bashar Assad in Syria and the weakening of Hezbollah . "Iran wanted to rely on Russia," he said. But in practice, the agreement has meant little since Israel's attacks on Iran. It only forbids Russia and Iran from helping any country that attacked the other and is not a mutual defence pact. "I think from the Iranian perspective, there's been some disappointment in how much Russia is willing to support," Mansour said. "They're feeling now that when we're facing this colossal giant of Israel and the US, Russia isn't really stepping in." The Kremlin has bristled at suggestions it is abandoning or neglecting Iran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday denied claims that Moscow had not given meaningful support to Tehran. Many people want "to spoil the partnership between Moscow and Tehran," he said. "Russia has in fact supported Iran with the clear position it has taken. And, of course, we intend to further develop our relations with Iran," he said. Asked Monday whether Russia would provide equipment such as air defences to Tehran, he said "everything depends on what the Iranian side, on what our Iranian friends say." Israel has destroyed most of Iran's air defences, and replacing them would not be easy, even if Russia wanted to. Iran desperately needs such systems, Arman Mahmoudian, a research fellow at the Global and National Security Institute, told The Associated Press. "(But) Russia itself needs these very weapons - both air defence systems and missiles - for its own war effort in Ukraine." he said. "The likelihood that Russia will meet Iran's requests is minimal." That need will only become more acute if Iran is unable to keep supplying Russia with attack drones, which are being increasingly deployed by Iranian forces, which is likely to leave little capacity for exports, Mahmoudian said. "Another critical factor is that Israel has extensively targetted Iran's drone and missile production facilities. Even if the war ends soon, Iran will need time to recover and rebuild these sites," he added. Moscow's balancing act in the Middle East Iranian demands are not the only ones that Moscow is balancing. Russia also wants to maintain good relations with Israel. Both countries' militaries are active in Syria, and they have been careful to maintain contacts in order to avoid direct clashes. Israel has remained largely neutral during the war in Ukraine, wary of antagonising Russia because of its large Jewish population. Putin said Friday at a conference in St Petersburg that Israel was home to nearly 2 million people from Russia and other former Soviet nations, "a factor that we always have taken into account." Moscow also is paying close attention to its relationship with Washington, which has warmed since President Donald Trump returned to office this year. Phone calls have resumed between leaders in both countries for the first time since the war in Ukraine. "For now, Trump shows no inclination to endorse the harsh new sanctions against Russia which a bipartisan majority in the US Senate has proposed," says Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg bank. "But if Putin were to annoy Trump over Iran in any significant way, Trump may change tack and impose new heavy sanctions on Russia." New complexities and opportunities for Russia While the Israel-Iran war has unleashed new complexities for Moscow, it also has created opportunities. The confrontation in the Middle East is likely to distract Western attention and resources from the war in Ukraine and make it easier for Russia to pursue its battlefield goals. Rising oil prices would also benefit Moscow, which relies heavily on fuel exports to boost its budget, allowing the Kremlin to fund weapons production, fight rising inflation, and provide the significant financial bonuses that entice Russian men into military service. Moscow also has sought on several occasions to position itself as a potential negotiator in the Iran-Israel war, although Putin himself later appeared to back away from such a role after Trump dismissed the idea of Kremlin mediation while fighting continued in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday that Moscow is ready to help settle the conflict, but will not act as a mediator. Ksenia Svetlova, a former member of Israel's parliament who was born in Moscow and is an associate fellow at Chatham House, says "Russia lacks any mechanism of pressure or leverage on Iran." She noted that the war in Ukraine has drained its resources and its failure to halt Assad's fall shows that Moscow's influence in the region is fading. "To be successful as mediators, you would need to make Iranians compromise," she said. Whether Russia can now increase its sway in the Middle East remains uncertain. The war in Ukraine has left Moscow overstretched, said Mansour, the Chatham House research fellow. After Assad's ouster following years of Russian military support, the Kremlin already is making overtures to the new government in Syria, as well as an effort to approach other states in the region and beyond with transactional deals that serve both sides. "You can lose battles, you can lose allies, but I am sure that Russia will maintain influence in the Middle East, including in Syria, where it's already negotiating with the new government," Mansour said. Russia's actions in the Iran-Israel war could have other unforeseen long-term consequences. "Even if the Islamic Republic survives the war, Russia's inability or unwillingness to assist its closest Middle Eastern ally will inevitably raise doubts about Moscow's reliability," Mahmoudian said. "Other regional players - such as Egypt and Turkey - have lately sought closer ties with Russia, yet watching Moscow fail to defend or meaningfully support Tehran may prompt them to reconsider how dependable a partner Russia can be," he said.
