Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has expressed surprise at the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, where he and Vice President Kamala Harris failed to secure the White House. In an interview with Minnesota news outlet KSTP on Thursday, Walz reflected on the campaign, its challenges, and his feelings following the loss.
Texas state Rep. Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) announced on Friday that he will not seek reelection as Speaker of the Texas House. Phelan’s decision comes after claiming last month that he had enough support to defeat both Republican and Democratic challengers.
Canada has banned 324 additional assault-style firearms, continuing its push for stricter gun control. This decision builds on a 2020 ban of 1,500 firearm models, which was expanded to over 2,000 last month as more weapons were identified. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the new restrictions, which take effect immediately, stating, “Firearms designed for the battlefield plainly do not belong in our communities.”
A series of recent polls highlights widespread public dissatisfaction with the federal government, with many Americans favoring efforts to reduce its size and improve efficiency. A Pew Research survey from this summer found that 56% of Americans believe the government is “almost always wasteful and inefficient,” while Gallup reports that 55% feel the government is doing “too much,” compared to 41% who think it should do more.
Earlier this year, the FDA approved a supplement for dairy cattle designed to reduce their methane emissions by 30%. The supplement, called Bovaer, was considered a "first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient," a press release says.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has publicly endorsed President Joe Biden’s decision to grant his son, Hunter Biden, a full and unconditional pardon. Speaking to The Hill on Wednesday, Pelosi stated, “I support the president,” and confirmed her support for the pardon specifically, adding, “The pardon, yes.”
The Trump-Vance transition team announced Tuesday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Justice, allowing the FBI to conduct background checks and security clearances for cabinet nominees and incoming White House staff. The agreement follows a period of hesitation by the transition team, citing distrust of the FBI. Traditionally, the FBI is responsible for vetting cabinet nominees and managing security clearances, but the process had been delayed due to the lack of an agreement.
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Monica Crowley for several prominent positions in his administration, including Ambassador, Assistant Secretary of State, and Chief of Protocol of the United States. Trump made the announcement on Wednesday via Truth Social, emphasizing her critical role in representing the U.S. at major international events during his upcoming presidency.
An elementary school in Alberta, Canada, has canceled its Christmas concert, announcing instead that an "inclusive" spring concert will be held in 2025.
