Secretary of State Blinken has stated there is no direct evidence linking Iran to the attack on Israel by Hamas, however the U.S. has levied sanctions on Iranian individuals and companies over 400 times since President Biden came into office. The $6 billion in Iranian oil assets that were freed up as part of the U.S.-Iran prisoner swap are now frozen, and the U.S. is continuing to investigate the role Iran may have played in the attack.
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On Thursday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise ended his bid for Speaker of the House after he was unable to secure the 217 votes needed to win the gavel. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, a conservative firebrand and vocal critic of the Democratic majority, has since renewed his bid for the speakership. Scalise withdrew his candidacy in the hopes of finding a candidate who can bring the party together, and Jordan's candidacy is sure to be closely watched in the coming weeks.
Last week, Kaiser Permanente employees staged a three-day walkout in six states due to a disagreement on staffing levels. After the walkout, the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions threatened another strike, but on Friday morning, they reached a tentative deal with Kaiser Permanente. Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su was instrumental in the agreement, which is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
This article covers the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Maui wildfire, and the shooting at an airport garage in Philadelphia. In response to the violence, the U.S. is planning evacuation flights for Americans in Israel, while the U.S. Capitol Police has provided briefings to lawmakers regarding enhanced protections. Additionally, Steve Scalise has withdrawn his bid to be House speaker and an officer has been convicted in the death of Elijah McClain.
Key takeaways: Steve Scalise (R-LA) has withdrawn his name from consideration as the Republican nominee for Speaker of the House. The Republican party is now…
White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented on the recent developments in the House of Representatives Speaker of the House race, noting that the president does not have a vote in the process and that the House Republicans are running their own process. After Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) won the caucus Speakership vote, Jean-Pierre commented on the situation, saying that it was “shambolic chaos” and that there was a lot of work that needs to be done on behalf of the American people. Just moments ago, Scalise withdrew his bid to be Speaker of the House, leaving the future of the Speaker of the House race uncertain.
Key takeaways: Israel is facing difficult choices as it attempts to rescue hostages held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Neta Heiman, a resident…
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and King Abdullah II of Jordan discussed the "horrific Hamas terrorist attacks" and the "devastating impact" of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in at least 2,700 deaths and thousands of injuries. Blinken has been meeting with Israeli officials and those affected by the violence, and is now working with King Abdullah II to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.