While former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) faced criticism for meeting Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017, prominent Democratic leaders, including then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), had also met with Assad in the past. Pelosi’s 2007 visit to Damascus, where she conveyed a peace message from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, drew backlash from the Bush administration.
The National Police Association (NPA) has strongly endorsed Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, hailing his appointment as “a pivotal moment for law enforcement and public safety across the United States.”
Clementine Breen, a 20-year-old woman, has filed a lawsuit against Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, alleging medical negligence and coercion that led to irreversible gender transition treatments during her adolescence.
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.
The fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has prompted several leading health insurance companies to remove or restrict access to their executive leadership pages. The move comes amid concerns over safety following online activity that some have described as targeting other industry executives.
President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his support for Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense on Friday, dismissing reports that the nomination might be reconsidered. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Hegseth’s qualifications, calling him “a fantastic, high-energy Secretary of Defense” and emphasizing his confidence in the Fox News host.
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.”
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, one of the nation's largest health insurers, has reversed its decision to cap reimbursement for anesthesia care based on surgery time limits.
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas sharply criticized the redistricting process in her state during a Thursday House Oversight Committee hearing on the 2020 Census.
