U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump has a potential opportunity to negotiate with Iran, emphasizing that the development of a nuclear weapon by Tehran is not inevitable.
A pizza restaurant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has sparked controversy after announcing it would not cater a same-sex wedding due to its "personal beliefs." Pizzeria Cortile shared its stance in a direct message on Instagram, which led to online backlash. The restaurant later issued a statement on its Facebook page, explaining that the decision was made from a place of personal conviction and was not intended to harm anyone.
The Santa Ana Unified School Board is considering significant job cuts for educators while proposing a salary increase for the superintendent, drawing sharp criticism from students, parents, and teachers.
MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle revealed for the first time on Tuesday that President Joe Biden’s team tried to end her interview with him in May 2023 after she asked a question about his son, Hunter Biden. Ruhle explained that after asking Biden how a potential indictment of Hunter Biden might impact his presidency, the White House immediately reacted by trying to halt the interview.
George Stephanopoulos, the prominent host of This Week on ABC News, may be out of a job after a defamation settlement involving former President Donald Trump. The deal, authorized by Disney CEO Bob Iger, includes a $15 million payout to Trump, plus an additional $1 million to cover Trump’s legal fees. This settlement stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump earlier this year after Stephanopoulos inaccurately claimed that Trump was “found liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll case.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has openly defended her friendship with US tech billionaire Elon Musk, asserting that her personal connection with him does not influence her duties as Italy’s leader. Speaking in Parliament, Meloni made it clear that her government remains independent, despite her relationship with Musk, and she emphasized that she would not be swayed by his economic interests.
The push for full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has taken a significant step forward with the U.S. House of Representatives passing the Lumbee Fairness Act. The bill, which aims to provide federal services and benefits to the Lumbee people, passed with a vote of 311-96 on Tuesday. While the bill received broad support, it also saw opposition from Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.). Notably, Reps. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) and Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) did not vote.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has become the first Republican to publicly announce he will not support Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in the upcoming January speakership vote, following backlash over a massive spending bill released Tuesday evening. The bill, a 1,537-page continuing resolution (CR), has sparked outrage among conservative lawmakers, who argue it contradicts the mandate given by voters in the November elections.
