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Donald Trump endangered the lives of all members of Congress when he aimed a mob of supporters "like a loaded cannon" at the US Capitol, House Democrats said Tuesday in making their most detailed case yet for why the former president should be convicted and permanently barred from office.

The legal brief forcefully links Trump's baseless efforts to overturn the results of the presidential election to the deadly January 6 riot at the Capitol, saying he bears "unmistakable" blame for actions that directly threatened the underpinnings of American democracy. It argues that he must be found guilty when his impeachment trial opens before the Senate next week on a charge of inciting the siege.

"His conduct endangered the life of every single Member of Congress, jeopardised the peaceful transition of power and line of succession, and compromised our national security," the Democratic managers of the impeachment case wrote.

"This is precisely the sort of constitutional offence that warrants disqualification from federal office."

READ MORE: Biden threatens sanctions on Myanmar after military coup

The legal brief lays out for the first time the arguments House lawmakers expect to present at the impeachment trial. It not only explicitly faults him for his role in the riot but also aims to preemptively rebut defence claims that Trump's words were somehow protected by the First Amendment or that an impeachment trial is unconstitutional, or even unnecessary, now that Trump has left office. It says Trump's behaviour was so egregious as to require permanent disqualification from office.

The Constitution specifies that disqualification from office can be a punishment for an impeachment conviction.

"This is not a case where elections alone are a sufficient safeguard against future abuse; it is the electoral process itself that President Trump attacked and that must be protected from him and anyone else who would seek to mimic his behaviour," the legal brief states.

Lawyers for Trump are expected to file their own brief Tuesday. In a Fox News appearance Monday night, one of the attorneys, David Schoen, said he would argue that the trial was unconstitutional, that efforts to bar Trump from office were undemocratic. and that his words were protected by the First Amendment.

Democrats made clear that they disagree with all points.

READ MORE: Trump's political committee raised millions in final weeks of 2020

"The only honourable path at that point was for President Trump to accept the results and concede his electoral defeat. Instead, he summoned a mob to Washington, exhorted them into a frenzy, and aimed them like a loaded cannon down Pennsylvania Avenue," they wrote in their 77-page brief.

The Democrats draw heavily on the words of prominent Republicans who have criticised the former president, including Wyoming. Rep. Liz Cheney, who voted for his impeachment and said there has never been a "greater betrayal" by a president, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who said Trump "provoked" the rioters.

Still, Republicans have signalled that acquittal is likely, with many saying they think Congress should move on and questioning the constitutionality of an impeachment trial — Trump's second — now that he has left office. In a test vote in the Senate last week, 45 Republicans voted in favour of an effort to dismiss the trial over those constitutional concerns.

Though no president has been tried after departing the White House, Democrats say there is precedent, pointing to an 1876 impeachment of a secretary of war who resigned his office in a last-ditch attempt to avoid an impeachment trial. The Senate held it anyway.

The Democrats write that the framers of the Constitution would not have wanted to leave the country defenceless against "a president's treachery in his final days, allowing him to misuse power, violate his Oath, and incite insurrection against Congress and our electoral institutions" simply because he is leaving office. Setting that precedent now would "horrify the Framers," the brief says.

"There is no 'January Exception' to impeachment or any other provision of the Constitution," the Democrats wrote. "A president must answer comprehensively for his conduct in office from his first day in office through his last."

Trump was impeached by the House while still in office, they note, forcing a Senate trial. And there are precedents for trying former officials.

"Trump is personally responsible for a violent attack on the Capitol," they wrote. "He was impeached while still in office. The case for trying him after he has left office is stronger than any of the precedents."

Firefighters in Western Australia are expecting another busy day trying to contain the Wooroloo blaze.

As of 5.30am on Wednesday morning, conditions are calm however they are expected to pick up by 10am.

By late Wednesday afternoon or evening, winds are expected to hit 40km/h with gusts of up to 70km/h.

Temperatures are expected to hit 35 degrees during the day.

Hundreds of firefighters worked through the night in WA "in extreme terrain and conditions" trying to contain the blaze that has already destroyed at least 59 homes.

There are 220 firefighters currently at the scene.

There was hope that conditions were easing overnight, but just before 9pm (midnight AEDT) there were still more than 200 firefighters working tirelessly.

"Erratic fire behaviour fanned by strong winds continues to challenge crews on the frontline who are protecting what they can and putting containment lines in place," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said.

https://twitter.com/dfes_wa/status/1356578761672515592

More homes are feared to have already been destroyed by the out-of-control bushfire north-east of Perth.

Hundreds have been forced to spend the night in emergency accommodation after evacuation orders to protect life.

DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said last tonight that six firefighters had been injured trying to control the blaze that has stretched 80km and burned through more than 8000 hectares.

"It is terrible news for the owners of those homes, and our thoughts are with them all," Mr Klemm said.

"There is a likelihood the number of homes lost will increase once work is completed."

Mr Klemm said there had been no reports of lives lost and the main approach of fire crews is to try and keep the fire within the boundary lines.

"At the moment we are still in really difficult conditions," he said.

"The southern flank of the fire and its proximity to the top of Brigadoon and Upper Swan are still a great concern for us."

Mr Klemm also said the cyclone forming to the north of the state was a concern and could make firefighting efforts more difficult.

"The effects of the cyclone will make its presence felt later this week – while we may have slightly cooler temperatures, we will be dealing with stronger winds so there are some difficult times ahead," he said.

Victims grappling with impact

Mother-of-four Elaine Palfrey watched her Wooroloo home burn, just three months after the family moved into their dream rural retreat.

"When we saw that footage, we knew everything was lost," she said.

The family was forced to flee, grabbing what they could, lacking time even to find their cat.

"It's just so devastating," Ms Palfrey said.

"Our home is gone — that feeling of not knowing where to live at this point is very devastating."

Darren Stoneman was caught outside a roadblock on Toodjay Road while getting fuel this morning.

For now his car is his home, and he's waiting to see what's left of where he lived.

"We're hoping that everything stays as it is and we can get in as soon as possible," he said.

Jo Murphy's house in Gidgegannup was somehow saved as the blaze passed over it, but she suffered her own losses.

Despite getting out with her four dogs, her chickens and pet cat couldn't be saved.

"The scenes are just like a nuclear bomb has gone off, there's power lines all over the roads," she said.

"Unfortunately a number of our neighbours weren't as lucky as we were, they've lost their homes, it's just terrible."

Perth shrouded by smoke

The bushfire has been so big at times that yesterday the DFES issued warnings of heavy smoke across parts of metropolitan Perth, Joondalup, Rottnest Island and Fremantle.

People have been warned to be careful when driving and seek medical advice if having breathing difficulties.

https://twitter.com/dfes_wa/status/1356463390915391488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Mr Klemm said people in fire affected areas should have a bushfire plan.

"That is the most critical thing. That should have been done already," he said.

"Importantly, they should be listening to the warnings. It is not a case of just going to bed and thinking that things will be okay in the morning because we continually, particularly with emergency warnings, they come out every hour."

Lives under threat

Premier Mark McGowan said there are "threats to lives and homes" and urged people to listen to bushfire advice.

"This is an extremely dangerous fire," he said.

Mr McGowan said DFES had advised more than 80 per cent of properties in the rural Tilden Park area in Gidgegannup had been lost.

Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters urged people to visit the Emergency WA website to stay updated on the progress of the blaze.

"If you're in the black shaded area (on the map) it's too late to leave," he said.

"For everybody else, it is better to leave sooner rather than later."

This applied as well to people under COVID-19 orders to self-isolate.

"If that means going to a loved one's house, that's fine, and if it means going to a rescue centre, that's fine," Mr Waters said.

"Do the sensible thing, isolate where you can, wear a mask."

He said people forced to break quarantine should notify DFES representatives at rescue sites, and would also have to notify police.

A second aerial tanker from NSW was set to arrive in WA later in the day.

What to do with animals

The DFES issued advice on what to do with animals on Wednesday morning.

For those in an area where it is not safe to leave, it is no longer safe to evacuate horses and large animals. It is also not safe to handle animal movements outside.

For other parts of the warning area where it is safe to leave, take animals to stay with a friend or family member, or to a private boarding or agistment arrangement.

If evacuating livestock or horses isn't possible, consider moving animals to a paddock with low fire fuel load. 

Ensure animals have feed and drinking water for several days of high to extreme temperatures.

Fences along roadsides should not be cut and external property gates should not be opened.

More information on managing animals in emergencies is available at agric.wa.gov.au.

People who have evacuated and left animals behind, or may have fences damaged by fire putting animals at risk can contact the City of Swan for assistance on 9267 9267.

As the situation is constantly changing, people are advised to visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au or call 13DFES (13 33 37) for the latest information.

Instead of closing schools and giving students snow days, the latest US winter storm is shutting down vaccination sites and snarling other pandemic-related services in many states that could see as much as half a metre of snowfall.

Shattered victims of the bushfire raging around Perth have told of their devastation after their homes were destroyed.

At least 59 homes have been confirmed to have been destroyed by the Wooroloo bushfire north-east of the capital.

Mother-of-four Elaine Palfrey watched her Wooroloo home burn, just three months after the family moved into their dream rural retreat.

READ MORE: Dozens of homes lost in Wooroloo bushfire

"When we saw that footage, we knew everything was lost," she said.

The family was forced to flee, grabbing what they could, lacking time even to find their cat.

"It's just so devastating," Ms Palfrey said.

"Our home is gone — that feeling of not knowing where to live at this point is very devastating."

Darren Stoneman was caught outside a roadblock on Toodjay Road while getting fuel this morning.

READ MORE: Hair-raising video shows firefighters driving through smoke of WA bushfire

For now his car is his home, and he's waiting to see what's left of where he lived.

"We're hoping that everything stays as it is and we can get in as soon as possible," he said.

Jo Murphy's house in Gidgegannup was somehow saved as the blaze passed over it, but she suffered her own losses.

Despite getting out with her four dogs, her chickens and pet cat couldn't be saved.

"The scenes are just like a nuclear bomb has gone off, there's power lines all over the roads," she said.

"Unfortunately a number of our neighbours weren't as lucky as we were, they've lost their homes, it's just terrible."

Hundreds of firefighters are still on the ground, with the battle expected to continue into the night.

Up to 8000 hectares have been burned.

Whether you play bridge at home or at a club, it’s likely your supplies came from Bridge NZ. The country’s biggest supplier of bridge products is run by Pat and Martin Oyston from their backyard shed in Whanganui. The couple live,…

Con Ange, known as the Porn King, has denied he instructed a former employee to transfer pay into her husband's and daughter's accounts to avoid paying tax. 

Neva Lozzi, 44, is accused of stealing more than $787,000 from Mr Ange's Sydney adult store business while in control of the company's finances from 2015 to 2020. 

She's alleged to have siphoned the funds from Ange Con Group into other accounts to pay for her lavish wedding, holidays, her children's private school fees and the rent of her $1100-a-week Point Piper apartment.

Mr Ange claims Ms Lozzi took advantage of his absence from the business while he was seeking treatment for motor neurone disease. 

"I employed her as a trusted employee. I thought I could trust her. My concerns were my health," Mr Ange told Magistrate Brett Shields. 

Sitting in the witness box, Mr Ange, who no longer has use of his hands, needed assistance putting on his glasses and turning the page of documents presented to him.

When questioned by Ms Lozzi's barrister, Frank Coyne, as to why he didn't notice the payments, Mr Ange replied, "I was too busy trying to stay alive".

From February 2016 to 2020, Ms Lozzi is also alleged to have transferred more than $140,000 into the bank account of her husband, real estate agent Jonathan Dorrell, and from 2019, money was also transferred into her young daughter's bank account, disguised under another employee's name. 

There is no suggestion Mr Dorrell was aware of the origin of the funds. 

When Mr Coyne asked Mr Ange, if he told Ms Lozzi to make the payments to her children, he denied it. 

"That's why I hired Neva, to pay my staff, do the tax, do the right thing. She told me she had a tax law degree," he told the court. 

He also denied the payments were part of her remuneration package. 

The business relationship soured early last year, when Mr Ange claims he uncovered the alleged fraud and went to the police. 

The hearing continues tomorrow. 

A fitness instructor performed a livestreamed workout while the Myanmar coup was unfolding behind her.

In footage she posted online, Khing Hnin Wai performed an aerobics dance workout on the street in the capital Naypyida as military trucks rush towards the parliament building.

Ms Hnin Wai goes for three minutes, with the large trucks and soldiers failing to catch her attention.

READ MORE: Why did the military stage Myanmar coup?

Ms Hnin Wai has thousands of followers who subscribe to her do-it-yourself fitness videos and her latest episode has attracted many more due to the events unfolding behind her.

While some have speculated the video may have been staged, experts have looked at past videos on her account as well as publishing times and believe it is genuine.

READ MORE: Myanmar's military reverts to its old strongarm behaviour

Tensions remain high in the lockdown streets of Myanmar since the military took control during dawn raids.

The coup unfolded under a one-year state of emergency/

The country's de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior politicians have been detained. 

A decision on whether some psychoactive drugs can be used to treat mental illness in Australia will be handed down this week.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is due to release an interim decision on the rescheduling of MDMA and psilocybin – the active ingredient in magic mushrooms – tomorrow.

If approved these drugs would be reclassified from a prohibited substance (schedule 9) to a controlled medicine (schedule 8).

READ MORE: Australian-first psychedelic drug trial could change how we treat mental illness

This would clear the way for them to be used in clinical therapy for treatment-resistant depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other complex mental illnesses.

A reclassification would not mean the drugs could be taken home with a patient or change any restrictions on recreational use of the substances.

The campaign to reclassify MDMA and psilocybin has been spearheaded by Mind Medicine Australia (MMA), which submitted the rescheduling applications to the TGA in July 2020.

MMA co-founders Tania De Jong and Peter Hunt believe the change would be "a giant leap forward for innovation in mental health care".

'Potential to relieve peoples' suffering'

Dr Jamie Rickcord was one of the first GPs to receive TGA approval to treat a patient with psilocybin-assisted therapy.

However because Dr Rickcord is based in NSW he is hamstrung by the TGA's own scheduling of the substances.

He said if Australia approved the drugs for therapeutic use, it would be a huge shift in both perception and practice.

"It changes the conversation, it means that the science and the medical benefit, and the potential to relieve peoples' suffering has been recognised as being more powerful than the stigma attached to these substances," he told nine.com.au.

"We totally get that lots of people aren't ready for it, but the conversation ends if they are schedule 9 compounds.

"It's not like we are going to start dosing people en masse… It's done by highly trained empathetic humans who know how to navigate the terrain."

Another advocate is Chris Barrie AC, who was Chief of the Defence Force until 2002.

Admiral Barrie is the founder of the charity Fearless Outreach, which supports people with PTSD. He is also a MMA Board Director.

He said reclassifying these drugs could give hope to people with treatment-resistant illness who have tried every other avenue.

"Nearly every one of us will have a story about somebody, even themselves, who has post traumatic stress disorder," he told nine.com.au.

"There are a whole host of people who have been treated inside what I would call a mental system, which is pretty inadequate by most standards, who said 'I took the pills, I did what I was told and it didn't work for me'."

Admiral Barrie emphasised while people he interacts with through his own organisation are empowered with a "toolbox" of coping mechanisms, they are not a cure.

"Things such as exercise, good diets, not drinking too much, meditation, are what we call a toolbox, and an important ingredient is known other people are going through your issues," he said.

"None of that today can offer a cure, we have no possibility other than potentially with the use of these psychoactive substances, we have no possibility of altering the neural pathways."

Contact reporter Freya Noble at fr*****@******om.au.

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