Comment on Democracy? One Dumb Senator Blocks Press Freedom

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he’s picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Lake, an immigration hard-liner, was a television news anchor in Phoenix for nearly three decades until she left in 2021 after making a series of controversial statements on social media, including sharing COVID-19 misinformation during the pandemic. Telegenic, engaging and adept at communicating, Lake launched her political career a short time later, quickly building a loyal following and national profile as she sparred with journalists and echoed Trump in her sharp criticism of what she called the “fake news.” In a statement, Trump said Lake would be ultimately be appointed by and work closely with the head of the U.

On this day in 1936, Edward VIII gave up the crown. History: After ruling for less than one year, Edward VIII becomes the first English monarch to voluntarily abdicate the throne. He chose to abdicate after the British government, public, and the Church of England condemned his decision to marry the American divorcée Wallis Warfield Simpson.

Experts Warn of Bird Flu Pandemic as Signals of Mutation Mount ScienceAlertH5N1 Avian Influenza Spreads Across North America MedscapeBird flu could be spreading to horses undetected, study finds Sky NewsBird flu suddenly got serious in 2024, infecting dozens of people New ScientistWhy hasn’t the bird flu pandemic started? Science

Republican U. S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas on Tuesday again blocked the passage of House-approved bipartisan legislation meant to shield journalists and telecommunications companies from being compelled to disclose sources and other information to federal authorities. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) brought the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying (PRESS) Act—which would prohibit the federal government from forcing journalists and telecom companies to disclose certain information, with exceptions for terroristic or violent threats—for a unanimous consent vote. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.

In a Tuesday post on X (formerly Twitter), Mace said she was "physically accosted at the Capitol tonight by a pro-tr*ns man." "One new brace for my wrist and some ice for my arm and it'll heal just fine," she continued. "The Capitol police arrested the guy. Your tr*ns violence and threats on my life will only make me double down.

By ERIC TUCKER WASHINGTON — FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau workers Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job. Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought,” roughly three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations, including two that led to separate indictments of Trump last year as well as inquiries into Biden and his son. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Wray told agency employees.