News
Biden Proposes Supreme Court Reforms, Urges Term Limits and Ethics Rules
President Joe Biden has put forth a comprehensive proposal aimed at reforming the U.S. Supreme Court, urging lawmakers to introduce term limits and establish an ethics code for the nine justices. This move is intended to “restore trust and accountability” within the court, which has increasingly become a focal point of political contention.
In recent years, the Supreme Court’s influence on issues ranging from abortion to environmental regulations has highlighted its significant role in American life. The court’s justices, appointed for life and unelected, have been at the center of numerous contentious decisions.
Biden’s proposal also includes a call for a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, challenging a recent Supreme Court ruling. Despite the unlikelihood of passing such reforms through the current U.S. Congress, Democrats see this initiative as a means to energize voters ahead of the November 2024 election.
In a Washington Post opinion piece, President Biden stated that the current situation “undermines the public’s confidence in the court’s decisions, including those impacting personal freedoms.” He described the moment as standing “in a breach.”
To address these concerns, Biden advocates for ending lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court. Instead, he suggests that sitting presidents should appoint a new justice every two years, with each serving an 18-year term. Advocates for reform believe staggered 18-year-term limits could help depoliticize the court, making it more balanced and reflective of the population.
Additionally, President Biden is pushing Congress to implement a code of ethics for Supreme Court justices. This code would require justices to disclose gifts and refrain from overt political activities. Biden noted that “every other federal judge is bound by an enforceable code of conduct,” questioning why the Supreme Court should be exempt.
Lastly, Biden seeks to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to overturn a July 1 ruling that granted former President Donald Trump and other ex-presidents immunity from criminal prosecution for “official acts.” The court’s decision specified that presidents are immune for “official acts” but not for “unofficial acts.”
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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