In a historic move, Pope Francis appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to head a major Vatican office. Brambilla, an Italian nun, will serve as prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, responsible for overseeing the Catholic Church’s religious orders worldwide.
In 2026, America is set to commemorate its 250th birthday, a milestone few nations reach with the vibrancy and influence that the United States has historically wielded.
America First Legal, a conservative advocacy group founded by Stephen Miller, incoming deputy chief of staff for policy under President-elect Donald Trump, is intensifying efforts to hold sanctuary cities and states accountable for defying federal immigration laws. The group has sent 249 letters to officials in areas with sanctuary policies, warning them against obstructing federal immigration authorities.
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has instructed cabinet nominees to cease all social media activity ahead of Senate confirmation hearings, according to a report from the New York Post. The directive, issued by incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on December 29, stresses that nominees should not speak publicly without prior approval.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, stated that producing a new constitution and holding elections in Syria could take several years. In an interview with Saudi Arabian outlet Al Arabiya on Sunday, al-Sharaa explained that drafting a new constitution or amending the current one would require significant time and expertise, possibly taking two to three years or longer.
