The former impeachment manager asserts that bipartisan support confirms Trump’s disqualification from holding office.

In a bold statement, Congressman Jamie Raskin has declared that former President Donald Trump is “disqualified” from ever holding office again. Raskin, who gained national attention as one of the impeachment managers during Trump’s second impeachment trial, made the claim based on his interpretation of legal and constitutional grounds. The Maryland Democrat argued that bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress has already established this fact, citing the 14th Amendment as a key legal basis for his position.

“The law is clear, and we’ve seen robust bicameral, bipartisan majorities in Congress who have already acknowledged this as a fact,” Raskin said, referring to the legal provision that prohibits individuals involved in insurrection or rebellion against the United States from holding public office. Trump has faced increasing legal scrutiny over his actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot, which many consider a violation of the 14th Amendment.

Raskin’s comments come amid growing discussion over Trump’s eligibility to run for president in 2024, following a series of legal challenges and investigations into his role in the events of January 6th. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and continues to contest the charges against him, maintaining that his actions were within the bounds of his presidential duties.

The claim that Trump is disqualified from running for office again has divided the political landscape, with many of Trump’s supporters pushing back against the assertion, arguing that legal challenges should be settled in court rather than through public declarations. Others, however, believe that the former president’s involvement in the Capitol insurrection disqualifies him from seeking re-election.

Raskin’s remarks are part of an ongoing debate about accountability, the application of constitutional law, and the future of American democracy as the 2024 election cycle heats up. With legal proceedings still underway, it remains to be seen how these challenges will ultimately impact Trump’s political ambitions.

A newly formed coalition condemns the government’s persecution of political opponents, marking a significant moment of opposition.

In an unprecedented act of public dissent, a coalition of Egyptian political parties has come together to criticise the country’s current government, accusing it of systematically persecuting politicians who oppose its policies. The coalition, which includes a range of opposition parties, voiced its concerns in a public statement, marking one of the boldest challenges to the Egyptian government in recent years.

The coalition’s declaration highlights the increasing crackdown on political opposition in Egypt, with many parties alleging that the government has used legal and extrajudicial measures to silence dissent. The statement specifically pointed to the targeting of political figures, activists, and journalists who have expressed criticism of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s administration, as well as the ongoing harassment and imprisonment of those perceived as political rivals.

“This coalition represents the voices of many Egyptians who have suffered under an environment of political repression. We will not remain silent while the government continues to persecute those who seek to challenge its authority,” read the coalition’s statement.

The formation of this new political alliance comes at a time of heightened tension in Egypt, with increasing international scrutiny over the country’s human rights record. The government’s handling of political opposition has drawn sharp criticism from global human rights organisations, which have called for greater freedoms for political expression and the release of political prisoners.

While the coalition’s move is seen as a significant step, it remains uncertain how much impact it will have in the face of the government’s dominant control over the political landscape. Egyptian authorities have traditionally responded harshly to public criticism, and many fear that the coalition’s actions could provoke further crackdowns on political freedoms.

This rare show of opposition is seen by many as a signal that dissent in Egypt is slowly gaining momentum, even in the face of severe repression. However, the path forward remains fraught with challenges as the coalition navigates the complexities of both domestic and international pressures.

The renowned mezzo-soprano takes on a ceremonial role traditionally held by royals or senior public figures.

Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins has officially been named the sponsor of a Royal Navy submarine hunter, a prestigious ceremonial role usually reserved for members of the royal family or prominent public figures, including the wives of senior military officers and political leaders. The announcement was made on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the singer’s relationship with the military.

In this role, Jenkins will take on the duties of supporting and promoting the submarine hunter, HMS Hunt, a vessel tasked with patrolling the seas and providing vital defense capabilities. As part of the tradition, she will be involved in various ceremonial activities and will attend official events associated with the ship and its crew.

Jenkins, known for her powerful voice and philanthropic work, expressed her pride in being chosen for the role, saying, “It is a true honour to be appointed as sponsor of HMS Hunt. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support the incredible men and women who serve in the Royal Navy and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of our nation.”

The tradition of appointing sponsors to naval vessels dates back centuries, with figures such as the Queen and senior political figures often taking on similar duties. These ceremonial roles are symbolic, helping to strengthen the bond between the military and the public. Jenkins’ appointment reflects her longstanding admiration for the armed forces, having previously supported various military charities and events.

The official sponsorship ceremony is set to take place later this year, where Jenkins will formally name the ship and offer her best wishes to the crew. Her appointment is expected to be warmly received by both the Navy and the wider public, further solidifying her standing as a respected public figure.

Sarah Moulds, who was filmed striking her pony Bruce in November 2021, remains the animal’s owner.

In a case that has sparked widespread debate, Sarah Moulds has been acquitted of animal cruelty charges after being filmed kicking and slapping her pony, Bruce, in November 2021. The footage, which was widely circulated online, showed the 39-year-old woman aggressively striking the animal, leading to public outcry and an official investigation by the RSPCA.

Following a lengthy legal process, the court ruled in Moulds’ favour, stating that there was insufficient evidence to support the claim that the actions amounted to cruelty under the law. Despite the ruling, the case has drawn attention to the broader issue of animal welfare and the treatment of animals within domestic settings.

Sarah Moulds still owns Bruce, the pony at the centre of the incident, and has maintained that her actions were not intended to cause harm. The video, recorded by a passerby, had led to calls for stronger enforcement of animal protection laws. The acquittal, however, has raised questions about the effectiveness of current legal frameworks in addressing concerns of animal cruelty.

The RSPCA, while disappointed by the verdict, has emphasised its ongoing commitment to investigating animal welfare cases. Public reaction has been divided, with some supporting the decision, while others continue to question whether enough is being done to protect animals from potential harm.

This case highlights the complexities surrounding animal cruelty legislation and the need for a deeper conversation about how best to safeguard animals in various environments, including private ownership.

Emergency services were called to Wingfield Street on Thursday evening following the fatal incident.

A heartbreaking incident occurred in Portsmouth on Thursday evening when an eight-year-old girl tragically died after falling from a balcony. The emergency services, including police and paramedics, were swiftly dispatched to Wingfield Street after receiving reports of the fall. Despite their efforts to save her, the young girl succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident, though further details have yet to be released. The community is left in shock as local residents react to the devastating news. Police are continuing to gather information in what they describe as an ongoing inquiry.

Former New York City Mayor laughs uncomfortably when asked about his ties to Donald Trump amid legal proceedings.

Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, had a moment of discomfort when questioned about his long-standing relationship with Donald Trump during his surrender in Georgia. As Giuliani faced charges related to the 2020 election, he was asked whether he regretted aligning himself with the former president, whose legal challenges have been ongoing. The former mayor awkwardly laughed off the question, before stating, “If they can do this to me, they can do this to you.”

Giuliani’s legal battles have intensified in recent months, and his surrender in Georgia adds to the growing list of legal entanglements the former Trump ally faces. His uncomfortable reaction to the question has sparked further discussion about the controversial nature of his alliance with Trump, which has been under increasing scrutiny.

As Giuliani navigates the serious charges, his comments reflect the pressures he is facing, while his history with Trump continues to be a focal point in ongoing legal battles.

Seven individuals arrested for protesting the silencing of Zephyr in the state House will not face legal repercussions.

Montana prosecutors have decided not to pursue misdemeanor trespassing charges against seven individuals who were arrested for protesting the actions of Republican lawmakers in the state House. The protesters had gathered in the gallery to show their support for transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr, who was denied the right to debate bills near the end of the 2023 legislative session.

Zephyr, who made history as the first openly transgender lawmaker in Montana, was silenced by Republican legislators after speaking out against a bill that would restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors. The protestors, who were upset by the silencing of Zephyr, were arrested for trespassing but will now face no further legal action following the decision by prosecutors.

This move has sparked reactions from both supporters and critics of the transgender lawmaker. Advocates for Zephyr argue that the protests were a necessary act of resistance in the face of an unjust decision by the legislative body, while opponents believe the arrests were justified due to the disruption caused in the House gallery.

The decision not to charge the protesters is seen as a victory for those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and it continues to raise important questions about freedom of speech, legislative power, and the treatment of transgender individuals in politics.

Wildfires have ravaged multiple continents, leaving a trail of destruction and prompting urgent calls for climate action.

Across multiple continents, wildfires have been causing widespread devastation, with large swaths of land burned and countless lives affected. In Europe, wildfires have swept through Greece and Italy, fueled by extreme heatwaves and dry conditions, forcing evacuations and prompting governments to take swift action. In Canada, the wildfires have reached alarming levels, with record-breaking fires ravaging forests and towns, forcing thousands to flee and creating severe air quality issues across North America. Hawaii has also felt the impact, particularly on the island of Maui, where massive wildfires have left behind homes reduced to ash.

The photos of these wildfires show the relentless intensity and scale of the disasters, with thick plumes of smoke choking the skies and turning the landscape into a sea of flames. These powerful images highlight the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing better disaster management strategies to mitigate the damage caused by such natural catastrophes. As governments and communities continue to face the aftermath, the impact of these fires serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in recent years.

The call follows growing frustration from constituents and political leaders over Dorries’ prolonged absenteeism.

A second local council has now called on Nadine Dorries, the former Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire, to immediately resign from her parliamentary seat. The motion, passed by the Mid Bedfordshire District Council, follows mounting pressure after Dorries announced that she would step down from her role but had yet to formally vacate the seat. The decision to ask for her resignation comes as a response to what the council describes as a prolonged period of absenteeism, with Dorries being largely absent from her constituency duties for several months.

The council’s plea for her resignation is in line with calls from local residents and political leaders, who have expressed frustration over the lack of representation in the constituency. Mid Bedfordshire has been without a clear representative for an extended period, and there have been numerous complaints from constituents regarding the lack of engagement with their concerns. Some have even pointed out that the delay in Dorries’ resignation has caused unnecessary uncertainty, especially as the constituency could be left without direct support if a by-election is not called soon.

Dorries, who had previously been a prominent figure in UK politics, serving as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has faced scrutiny for her continued tenure despite having largely retreated from public duties. Her resignation was initially announced back in June but, as of August, she has yet to formally leave the position, adding to the growing concerns about her commitment to the role. Political commentators and local officials have pointed out that the situation could lead to further instability in the region if action is not taken swiftly.

In response, Dorries has made statements suggesting that she is taking time to consider her next steps. However, her delay in resigning has fueled ongoing criticisms that her absence has left Mid Bedfordshire residents without a clear voice in Parliament.

The 17-Year-Old, Who Cannot Be Named for Legal Reasons, Is Charged with Five Terror Offences Relating to His Online Activity

A 17-year-old teenager is facing a potential prison sentence after defacing the Windrush memorial with Nazi symbols. The teen, who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions, has been charged with five terrorism-related offences tied to his online activity. The charges stem from the teen’s involvement in extremist content and the defacement of the memorial in what authorities deem an act of hate. The Windrush memorial honors the contributions of Caribbean immigrants to the UK and serves as a symbol of resilience and history. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the rise of hate crimes and online radicalization.