Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a Fox News medical contributor known for her work in preventive medicine and public health, has been appointed as the U.S. Surgeon General by President-elect Donald Trump. Born to Jordanian immigrants in New York City, Dr. Nesheiwat has an impressive medical career, including global medical missions and COVID-19 frontline work in NYC. She will oversee public health initiatives and collaborate with figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aiming to reform the healthcare system.
The situation in Ukraine is intensifying, with key military figures suggesting that World War III has already commenced, due to the involvement of Russia's allies including North Korean and Iranian forces. Recent events have underscored the potential for this conflict to become a significant global concern, prompting calls for urgent action to prevent further escalation and to safeguard international stability.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Scott Turner, a former NFL player and Texas state representative, as the new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This nomination marks Turner as the first Texan in Trump's second Cabinet and the highest-ranking Black official in this administration. Turner's past experience includes serving Texas and directing the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term. With housing affordability being a pressing issue, his confirmation is anticipated to bring transformative changes and policy updates, amid concerns of potential budget cuts following trends from Trump's previous administration.
The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of actor Jussie Smollett, who was accused of staging a racially motivated attack against himself. The court ruled that prosecuting Smollett after an initial agreement was a violation of his rights. This decision marks a significant development in a case that has received widespread attention, with ongoing implications for the legal and social discussions surrounding it.
The University of Oxford is at a pivotal junction as it seeks a new chancellor amidst complex challenges, including debates over its relationship with China and escalating housing prices in the city. Leading candidates, William Hague and Peter Mandelson, offer diverging perspectives on the role of Chinese influence within UK universities. Concurrently, Oxford's housing market sees a notable surge, reflecting broader economic pressures. Additionally, the university's employment practices face scrutiny for a heavy reliance on precarious academic staffing. These events, against a backdrop of inclement weather warnings, suggest Oxford's current transitional phase will have significant implications for its local and academic communities.
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has been nominated by Donald Trump as his choice for attorney general following Matt Gaetz's withdrawal amid allegations. Bondi, known for her strong law enforcement background and ties to Trump, is expected to focus on reducing crime and reforming the Justice Department. The nomination reflects Trump's strategic moves to build an administration loyal to his vision, with support from key figures like Senator Lindsey Graham.
On November 21, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) named 'Oreshnik,' responding to Ukraine's recent use of Western-supplied long-range missiles. The missile strike, which hit the city of Dnipro injuring civilians and damaging facilities, marked a new phase of military escalation between Russia and Ukraine. NATO and the United Nations expressed heightened concerns over the potential expansion of hostilities, with Ukrainian President Zelensky urging global leaders for a robust response to Russia's actions. Military experts warn about the implications of such missile technologies, including potential multiple warheads (MIRV) and nuclear capabilities, impacting regional and global stability.
On November 21, 2024, reports of ambulances and U.S. Secret Service personnel leaving Mar-a-Lago surfaced, causing widespread speculation regarding former President Donald Trump's health. The commotion followed a report from a CBS producer who observed the vehicles, sparking concerns and trending hashtags on social media. Subsequent clarifications revealed the motorcade was associated with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and not Trump. Trump's spokesperson and Secret Service officials criticized the media for overreaction and confirmed no medical emergencies occurred under their watch. This incident underscores the intense scrutiny Trump faces at age 78, amid ongoing public and media attention.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders, citing war crimes in Gaza. This unprecedented legal ruling has drawn global reactions, highlighting tensions and potential political repercussions amid ongoing conflicts.
Jose Antonio Ibarra, an undocumented migrant from Venezuela, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Laken Riley, a nursing student. The case, which drew national attention, ties into broader immigration policy debates, highlighting issues of border security and immigration reform. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, leading to Ibarra's conviction on multiple charges including malice murder. The trial underscored the complex intersection of crime and immigration in the US, with political leaders advocating for stricter immigration controls as a consequence of the case.