Author: Rana McCallister

The hearing featured Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche answering tough questions about DOJ priorities, including scrutiny of the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund and a sizable budget request tied to President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 plan. Todd Blanche faced sharp, pointed questioning at the Senate Appropriations subcommittee as senators pressed on how the Department of Justice plans to use new resources. Fiery Questions Abound on Anti-Weaponization Fund was the tone of the day, with members from both parties demanding clarity on oversight, purpose, and safeguards for any new initiatives. The hearing was to consider President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request for…

Georgia voters returned two Republican-backed winners in hotly contested state Supreme Court contests, signaling a pushback against liberal challengers and reinforcing conservative influence on the bench. Georgians handed Democrats a decisive defeat on Tuesday by reelecting two Republican-backed candidates in a pair of highly contested state Supreme Court races. In one race, incumbent Justice Charles Bethel is projected to defeat leftist Miracle Rankin. Unofficial results show the former beating the latter by 2.2 points, with more than 95 percent of votes counted. Those numbers make clear that voters preferred stability and a conservative approach to the high court. The outcome…

Barney Frank’s long-running refusal to deal with one conservative paper is a small detail that opens up bigger questions about politician-media relations, selective access and public accountability. For more than two decades, former Rep. Barney Frank refused to speak to reporters from The Washington Times. That simple fact keeps showing up because it says a lot about how some elected officials choose their audiences. When a public servant shuts a door on an entire newsroom, it matters to voters who expect openness and straightforward answers. Frank spent decades in Washington as a high-profile Democrat and as chairman of the House…

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed a bill that would have opened the commonwealth’s adult-use cannabis retail market, a move that changes the timetable and leaves lawmakers scrambling. The veto exposes a deeper split over planning, regulation, and public safety as state leaders decide how to move forward. Gov. Spanberger’s veto landed unexpectedly and has immediate political and practical consequences across Richmond. Lawmakers who pushed the retail rollout had argued the market was ready, but the governor concluded key protections and implementation details were missing. That decision now forces a new scramble for consensus on regulations, licensing, and local control. “Virginia…

Republican primary voters want fighters who will stand with the MAGA movement and reject career establishment types who won’t follow through. Republican primary voters want candidates who will fight for the MAGA movement, not institutionalized RINOS who won’t. That line captures a deep frustration with party elites who make speeches but avoid real change. Voters are tired of hollow promises and want officials who act with conviction, not caution. The base prizes authenticity and a clear record of fighting the status quo, especially on core issues like borders, spending, and energy. When a candidate talks tough but governs like a…

The World Health Organization said on Wednesday the risk of spread of the Ebola virus in Congo and Uganda is high at national and regional levels, but low at the global level. The assessment frames the immediate public health threat while pointing to significant cross-border concerns and the need for sustained local response. This article lays out what that reality looks like on the ground, how authorities are responding, and what challenges remain. Local health teams have been racing to trace contacts, isolate cases, and offer vaccinations where possible. Clinics and treatment centers are under strain in areas with active…

Southwest Airlines has updated its carry-on rules to bar humanoid and animal-like robots, setting off questions about safety, accessibility, and how airlines handle novelty tech in cabins. “Southwest Airlines now bans passengers from bringing humanoid or animal-like robots on board.” That line is the new policy boiled down, and it landed fast across social feeds and traveler forums. The decision covers items that look like people or animals, and the wording has left plenty of room for interpretation. Passengers and advocates are sorting through what counts as a toy, a gadget, or a mobility aid. The airline frames the change…

Sebastian Stan voiced sharp concern about Donald Trump, saying, “It’s just not a laughing matter, to be honest. It isn’t. I think we’re in a really, really bad place. I really do.” Actor Sebastian Stan’s remark landed in the middle of an ongoing cultural debate about celebrities weighing in on politics. He used blunt language to describe his view of the national situation, and that bluntness drew a quick, polarized response. The exchange highlights the gulf between Hollywood commentary and Republican voters who see different priorities. Stan’s comment, presented with emotional emphasis, reflects a common thread in celebrity reactions to…

Foreign nationals can give birth in the U.S. without breaking the law, but authorities warn that using false information to get in or to get services crosses the line into illegality, a point emphasized by Gill who said it’s illegal to ‘misrepresent yourself.’ Having a baby on U.S. soil is not itself a crime for visitors, and many people travel for medical care or family reasons. Still, the situation raises concerns about how visas are used and whether travelers declare their intentions honestly when applying to enter the country. The public debate centers on where legitimate medical travel ends and…

Red Lobster’s oldest continuously operating restaurant in Tallahassee, Florida, which survived the seafood chain’s 2024 bankruptcy, will permanently close Sunday, bringing a 56-year run to an end. The Tallahassee location has been a local fixture, known for steady service and familiar seafood options that drew generations of customers. Longtime patrons have come to expect the same menu staples and neighborhood atmosphere that defined its identity. That familiar presence will disappear when the doors close on Sunday. The closure follows a turbulent period for the parent company, which filed for bankruptcy in 2024 but kept this location open while restructuring. Even…