President-elect Donald Trump nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as the next U.S. Surgeon General, describing her as “a fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health” who is “committed to ensuring that Americans have access to affordable, quality healthcare.”
Pope Francis has announced a special jubilee pilgrimage for members of the LGBTQ+ community, marking a historic first for the Catholic Church, according to reports in Italian media.
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.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) denied allegations on Thursday that she is spearheading a campaign to block Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Defense Secretary and seek the position for herself. Speaking to RealClearPolitics reporter Philip Wegmann, Ernst insisted she supports a fair confirmation process for Hegseth.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) increased its military presence along the Syrian border in the Golan Heights on Friday in response to rapid advances by Syrian rebels against the Assad regime. The move comes as rebel forces, including Islamist factions, capture key cities like Aleppo and Hama, forcing regime troops to retreat.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government on Friday, accusing its anti-Israel policies of fostering antisemitism after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue. The Adass Israel synagogue was firebombed during morning prayers, injuring one and causing extensive damage. Worshippers inside reported masked assailants throwing incendiary devices through the windows.
