#political-accountability

#political-accountability

The truth is that as a country we have often found one reason or another to let the powerful escape the consequences of their actions. Consider Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the Confederate States of America, commander in chief of a rebellion that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Davis spent two years in federal custody after the end of the war. The indictment against him was dismissed following his release, and he spent the rest of his life a free man.

The state of California has squandered billions of tax dollars and most of two decades of planning and construction in a failed attempt to build high-speed rail in California. We initially voted for it, so when do we, as taxpayers, say enough is enough and tell the governor and the Legislature to stop this wasteful embarrassment? We have endured years of misleading statements and broken promises.

But Jewish tradition is clear: a genuine transformation does not happen overnight or for convenience. It requires contrition, confession, and change. Without all three, there is no teshuvah or repentance, only posturing. As the Jewish community enters the Days of Awe with Rosh Hashanah on Monday evening, followed by Yom Kippur, we are reminded that transformation begins with accountability. We reflect, we acknowledge, we confess, and then we commit.

Artificial intelligence, apparently, is the new "fake news." Blaming AI is an increasingly popular strategy for politicians seeking to dodge responsibility for something embarrassing - among others. AI isn't a person, after all. It can't leak or file suit. It does make mistakes, a credibility problem that makes it hard to determine fact from fiction in the age of mis- and disinformation.

As helicopters dump water over burning ridges and smoke billows across the mountains of northern Spain, residents from wildfire-stricken areas say they feel abandoned by the politicians meant to protect them. A blaze "swept through those mountains, across those fresh, green valleys and they didn't stop it?" said Jose Fernandez, 85. He was speaking from an emergency shelter in Benavente where he took refuge after fleeing his nearby village, Vigo de Sanabria.

The Treasury confirmed that Hansard had been amended following errors made by the Chancellor during committee hearings, particularly in figures regarding pension scheme management.

Community leaders in Washington, D.C. criticize President Trump's approach to crime, emphasizing the need for focused solutions rather than political agendas. Lamont Mitchell highlights that neighborhoods deserve safety and thoughtful strategies rather than being pawns in political games.

"The FBI has tools to aid state law enforcement when parties cross state lines, including to avoid testifying or fleeing a scene of a crime," Cornyn wrote in a letter to FBI director Kash Patel asking the Bureau to help state law enforcement.

We've seen on the beaches and heard about this deal with the French but your pictures show the French police aren't doing much at all.

Trump's Justice Department announced it would not be releasing any more documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, surprising many supporters who anticipated full transparency.

Jess Phillips addressed the issue of Labour MPs who were penalized for opposing welfare reforms. She stated their punishment was self-inflicted due to lack of party discipline.

Benny Johnson criticized the Trump administration for its handling of the Epstein files, stating it has deeply divided MAGA supporters and fueled calls for resignations from administration officials.

"Fifteen hundred, very quickly," interjected the future mayor, clad in a smart white shirt and thin black tie befitting an Apollo-era NASA technician. "I've given myself six months. It shouldn't take us that long."

Johan Forssell was summoned to a parliamentary committee to address questions about a close relative's connections to white power extremism, amid concerns over Sweden's security.

Gabbard accused Nakashima of harassing ODNI staff, stating she was using a burner phone, refusing to identify herself, and demanding sensitive information.

Council Member Robert Holden has criticized Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Finance Chair Justin Brannan for not allocating extra funds for veterans in the FY2026 Budget, despite increased funding for other city services.

The scheme, which allegedly saw hundreds of applications being made by non-existent owners of pasture and grazing land over a five-year period beginning in 2017, was brought to light by the European public prosecutor's office (EPPO).

"Those of us who still cling to a belief that the actions of democratic countries should be driven by adherence to and promotion of fundamental humanitarian principles have looked on in despair at the impotence of world leaders, which has at times verged on complicity in Israel's and the US's actions."

The protest has the potential to be a turning point as the students demand that the Serbian government asks the president to dissolve parliament for snap elections.