ETHICS PANEL OPENS PROBE INTO TEXAS REP.
The House Ethics Committee says it has unanimously voted to establish an investigative panel to examine sexual harassment allegations against Republican Rep. Blake Farenthold of Texas. The committee says it will investigate whether Farenthold sexually harassed a former member of his staff and retaliated against her for complaining.
Australian prime minister rushes gay marriage into law.
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA»
Australia’s prime minister rushed gay marriage into law Friday by gaining a final signature on a bill hours after it was overwhelming endorsed by Parliament and as the nation started planning weddings that can take place in a month. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull traveled to Government House, where Governor-General Peter Cosgrove signed the bill into law.
Argentine judge seeks arrest of ex-President Fernandez.
BUENOS AIRES,
ARGENTINA» A federal judge on Thursday asked Argentina’s Senate to allow the arrest of former President Cristina Fernandez on a charge of treason for allegedly covering up the role of Iranians in a 1994 bomb attack on a Jewish center. Judge Claudio Bonadio asked lawmakers to remove Fernandez’s immunity from arrest, which she gained upon being elected senator. She was sworn in last week. While Fernandez, who was president from 2007 to 2015, faces several other court actions, it’s the first time a judge has requested her arrest.
Palestinians protest Trump move.
Thousands of Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli forces in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, demonstrators in the Gaza Strip burned U.S. flags and pictures of President Donald Trump, and a top Palestinian official said Vice President Mike Pence would not be welcome in the West Bank, in a show of rage Thursday over the American decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces were bracing for stronger violence on Friday, when tens of thousands of Palestinians attend weekly prayers at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque, the city’s most sacred Islamic site. In Gaza, the supreme leader of the Hamas militant group called on Palestinians to launch a new uprising against Israel.
Pearl Harbor survivors attend solemn ceremony.
HONOLULU» Survivors gathered Thursday at the site of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor to remember fellow servicemen killed in the morning raid 76 years ago, paying homage to the thousands who died with a solemn ceremony marking the surprise bombing raid that plunged the U.S. into World War II. About 20 survivors attended the event at a grassy spot overlooking the harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. They were joined by about 2,000 Navy sailors, officials and members of the public.