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Court Approves Testimony of Alleged 'Bagman' in VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Hearing

Court Approves Testimony of Alleged 'Bagman' in VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Hearing

A Manila court has granted permission for Ramil Madriaga, who claims to be Vice President Sara Duterte's 'bagman', to testify at an impeachment hearing scheduled for April 14. The House of Representatives' justice committee, led by Chairperson Rep. Jinky Luistro and Speaker Bojie Dy III, requested Madriaga's appearance to discuss his allegations regarding Duterte's handling of confidential funds. Madriaga, currently detained on kidnapping-for-ransom charges, has been ordered to present his affidavit and any supporting evidence. The committee has also subpoenaed lawyer Cynthia Viñas-Pantonal, who notarized Madriaga's affidavit, and requested tax records of Duterte and her husband. The committee aims to conclude the probable cause stage by the end of the month, with hearings set for April 14, 22, and 29. Heightened security measures have been implemented for Madriaga due to credible threats to his life.

How the 17th Amendment Changed Senate Power

How the 17th Amendment Changed Senate Power

The ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913 brought about a significant change in the relationship between state governments and the fede...

Trump Administration Relocates Education Department Headquarters Amid Dismantling Efforts

Trump Administration Relocates Education Department Headquarters Amid Dismantling Efforts

The Trump administration has announced the relocation of the U.S. Department of Education's headquarters to a smaller office in Washington, D.C., as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the agency. This move follows significant layoffs and a reduction in the department's workforce, leaving the current headquarters largely vacant. The Energy Department is set to take over the lease of the building, marking a milestone in the administration's campaign to reduce the federal education footprint.

Georgia's Property Tax Relief Tied to Hemp Bill Faces Legislative Challenges

Georgia's Property Tax Relief Tied to Hemp Bill Faces Legislative Challenges

In a dramatic legislative session in Georgia, lawmakers rushed to pass property tax relief by incorporating it into an unrelated hemp bill. The original property tax reform bill, HB 1116, failed in the Senate, prompting legislators to embed key provisions into SB 33, a bill initially focused on hemp regulations. This maneuver, though not uncommon, was executed under significant time pressure, with the rewrite unveiled just before midnight and passed by the House shortly after. The bill now awaits the decision of Governor Brian Kemp, who has 40 days to review it. The relief includes a homeowner grant expected to provide approximately $500 per taxpayer and provisions to cap tax assessment increases. However, the bill's passage has sparked controversy, with some lawmakers questioning its constitutionality due to procedural issues.

Colorado House Committee Advances Bill to Adjust Farmworkers' Overtime Pay Threshold

Colorado House Committee Advances Bill to Adjust Farmworkers' Overtime Pay Threshold

A proposal to modify Colorado's overtime requirements for agricultural workers has successfully passed through the House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee. The bill, known as Senate Bill 121, aims to increase the overtime pay threshold for agricultural workers from the current 48 hours to 56 hours. This legislative move follows a narrow approval in the state Senate, where the bill was amended from an initial proposal of 60 hours. The bill excludes salaried workers and those in 24/7 operations, such as shepherds. The committee's decision was less contentious than previous debates, with bipartisan support leading to a 10-3 vote in favor of advancing the bill to the House floor. The bill's sponsors, Reps. Matt Martinez and Ty Winter, emphasize the need to balance labor protections with the economic challenges faced by farms, including low commodity prices and rising operational costs.

Why the 17th Amendment Still Matters More Than Ever

Why the 17th Amendment Still Matters More Than Ever

The Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1913, was the result of intense debates and controversies over the method ...

Iowa GOP Proposes Restrictions on Hiring H-1B Visa Holders at Colleges

Iowa GOP Proposes Restrictions on Hiring H-1B Visa Holders at Colleges

Iowa GOP lawmakers have introduced House File 2513, a bill that would restrict the state's colleges and universities from hiring H-1B visa holders from countries designated as foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism. This includes nations such as China, Russia, and Iran. The proposal has sparked protests from community members and academics who argue that it discriminates based on nationality and could harm Iowa's educational and research capabilities. The bill has passed the House and awaits approval in the Senate. If enacted, it would take effect on July 1, 2026, impacting future employment contracts.

Georgia Lawmakers Integrate Property Tax Relief into Hemp Bill Amid Legislative Rush

Georgia Lawmakers Integrate Property Tax Relief into Hemp Bill Amid Legislative Rush

In Georgia, lawmakers have integrated a property tax relief measure into a hemp regulation bill during a dramatic session-ending scramble. The original property tax reform proposal, HB 1116, failed in the Senate, prompting legislators to incorporate key elements into SB 33, a bill initially focused on hemp product regulations. This procedural move, while not uncommon, was executed under significant time pressure, with Senate Republicans unveiling the rewrite just before midnight and pushing it through the House as the session extended into the early hours. The bill aims to provide homeowners with relief through grants and caps on tax assessment increases, but it requires approval from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who has 40 days to review the legislation.

Church Leaders Advocate for YIGBY Initiative to Address Housing Shortage

Church Leaders Advocate for YIGBY Initiative to Address Housing Shortage

Church leaders are supporting a new initiative called YIGBY, 'Yes in God's Backyard,' aimed at addressing the affordable housing shortage by utilizing underused land owned by religious organizations. House Bill 5396 in Connecticut seeks to accelerate the approval process for affordable housing projects on religious land. The bill proposes a 'summary review' process for qualifying developments, allowing municipalities 90 days to decide on applications, with at least 30% of units designated as affordable. The initiative is gaining traction as religious groups collectively own over 2.6 million acres in the U.S., potentially supporting up to 800,000 new homes.

West Virginia governor vetoes help for neglected and foster kids after approving tax cuts

West Virginia governor vetoes help for neglected and foster kids after approving tax cuts

Gov. Patrick Morrisey has vetoed a handful of bills aimed at helping vulnerable West Virginians

Federal Judge Strikes Down President Trump's Order to Defund NPR, Impacting Public Media

Federal Judge Strikes Down President Trump's Order to Defund NPR, Impacting Public Media

A federal judge has ruled President Trump's executive order to defund NPR as unconstitutional. The order, signed last May, aimed to cut federal funding for public broadcasting, affecting agencies like the Department of Education that provide grants to NPR and PBS. Despite the ruling, Congress had already voted to rescind $1.1 billion in federal funding, which remains in effect. Public media organizations, including Louisville Public Media, are now adapting to this new financial landscape by exploring alternative funding models and collaborations.

New York State Bill Proposes MTA Bed Bug Infestation Alerts for Riders

New York State Bill Proposes MTA Bed Bug Infestation Alerts for Riders

New York State lawmakers are advocating for a bill that mandates the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to inform riders about bed bug infestations on trains and buses within 24 hours. Sponsored by Assemblymember William Colton, the bill requires the MTA to post alerts on its website or send notifications via email or text. This legislative push follows past incidents, such as a 2018 infestation that led to the removal of several buses from service in Manhattan. The bill, which previously passed the Assembly but stalled in the Senate, has been reintroduced and is currently under consideration by the Senate's Transportation Committee.