News

Democrats board private jets for Washington DC

Published

4 years ago

July 13, 2021

Around 50 Democrats have fled Texas and flown to Washington DC to stop local Republicans from passing a new law

The Bill seeks to tighten voting rules by outlawing polling places and drive-through voting booths. It also seeks to stop ballot drop boxes and increase the powers of partisan poll watchers.

The Democrats said they will not return until the 30-day voting session expires. But Republicans currently control the Texas House of Representatives and the Senate, which leaves Democrats with limited options.

However, the departure of House Democrats will disable the proposed Bill from proceeding. The Bill requires two-thirds of lawmakers to be present for a vote.

Democrat Chris Turner says the fight is shifting to the nation’s capital.

“We are now taking the fight to our nation’s Capitol. We are living on borrowed time in Texas.”

The move comes after a surge of voting restrictions in Republican-led states.

https://twitter.com/ChrisGTurner/status/1414706406222090244

But the Democrats who fled Texas risk being arrested. Under state law, elected representatives can be legally compelled to return to Texas.

Texas’ House Speaker Dade Phelan, says the lawmakers would use “every available resource” to secure a quorum. The departure marks nearly 20 years since state Democrats have left Texas and broken quorum.

This latest move comes as US President Joe Biden is under pressure to overhaul voter legislation.

Related Topics:TEXAS USA voter suppression Voters

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Costa Haritos

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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Electric vehicles transform last mile delivery market

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

Published

19 hours ago

October 1, 2025

ticker NEWS

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery is accelerating globally, with Australia expected to see significant growth.

Companies and retailers are increasingly adopting greener solutions, driven by supporting government initiatives.

Joe Sofra from ANC discussed the current state of the last mile EV market.

#ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #LastMileDelivery #Innovation #Australia

News

Trump gives Hamas ultimatum for Gaza peace plan acceptance

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

Published

1 day ago

October 1, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

In Short:
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they reject it.The plan, shared by mediators Qatar and Egypt, emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it during a visit to the White House. Hamas, which was not part of the talks, is expected to review the proposal that calls for disarmament, a previously rejected demand.

Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.

A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.

The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.

Pressure Mounts

Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.

Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.