Last week, a Minnesota hospital issued a profuse apology to staff after failing to abide by its “values of respect and justice” — by giving out free Chick-fil-A. Staff at Essentia Health in Duluth complained about the free sandwiches available last Tuesday in the St. Mary’s Medical Center’s atrium, an email chain obtained by The Daily Wire shows. “Please spread the word that Chick-fil-A will be handing out free sandwiches” from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. wrote Tammy Kritzer, senior vice president for regional operations at Essentia Health. Several health care professionals responded indignantly. ?EXCLUSIVE: Read the emails from the "courageous" hospital staffers who complained about free Chick-fil-A The Minnesota hospital later apologized profusely for allowing the free lunch pic.twitter.com/frs6ESESBN — Mairead Elordi (@JohnsonHildy) November 22, 2024 “Chick-fil-A is an Anti-LGBTQ+ business and I would not recommend supporting them in any way. We need to protect vulnerable communities during this time and at all times,” one male licensed practical nurse wrote. “I’m not sure Essentia realizes the message they are sending to their LGBTQ+ employees (or patients) with this affiliation. The sandwiches might be free, but the implicit endorsement certainly has a cost,” wrote a medical laboratory scientist whose email signature has “they/them” pronouns. The emails critical of Chick-fil-A got dozens of thumbs up and heart emoji reactions, while another message suggesting the staffers calm down did not get such a warm response. “It is just a Sandwich,” one employee responded. “Plenty of the items Essentia Health uses in the healthcare industry to include supplies and equipment were likely made in China. It doesn’t mean that Essentia supports communism or government oppression.” Chick-fil-A has drawn the ire of LGBT activists over the years, who have boycotted and staged protests over the company donating to groups like the Salvation Army, which activists claim has “a record of anti-LGBTQ discrimination.” In fact, the company emphasizes that it “values diversity, equity and inclusion” and does not discriminate or tolerate harassment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Some cities have prevented Chick-fil-A from opening locations at their airports, including Buffalo, New York, and San Antonio, Texas. The chain famously does not open on Sundays to honor the Lord’s Day, Chick-fil-A’s founder explained, likely causing it to lose more than $1 billion a year. Later in the day, Kritzer, the hospital administrator, who has “she/her” pronouns in her email signature, wrote to staff apologizing for the free lunch. “We have received feedback from some colleagues who were concerned or offended by this occurrence, and we value colleagues feeling comfortable expressing their reservations,” Kritzer wrote. “We would like to thank our colleagues who had the courage to speak up to widen our lens of inclusivity, and we appreciate all colleagues continuing to live our values of respect and justice,” she said. The hospital distanced itself from Chick-fil-A in the email, writing that the free lunch was “not intended to endorse a business or business practices,” the email said. “We respect all we are honored to serve and employ, and situations such as these are an important reminder to consider all viewpoints. As we strive to be thoughtful and inclusive as an organization, we will have learnings along the way,” the email read. “In the words of Maya Angelou, when we know better, we do better,” the email concluded. “Thank you for giving us grace, as we work to be better, together.” The hospital did not respond to a request for comment. Essentia Health is a Catholic hospital system with a mission to “promote Christ’s ministry of holistic healing for all human life with special concern for the poor and powerless.” However, Essentia provides cross-sex hormones and more to minors. According to the Stop The Harm database, Essentia has performed at least five sex change operations on minors.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said on Friday that he will not rejoin Congress in January after withdrawing his name from consideration for attorney general. Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an interview, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” CNN reported. The former Florida congressman resigned from the 118th Congress earlier this month after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general. His withdrawal from AG consideration on Thursday prompted journalists to immediately begin exploring whether Gaetz could return to the House next year to serve since he won his November election. Matt Gaetz tells Charlie Kirk he does not plan to return to Congress: “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.” pic.twitter.com/VVOCoBfu5T — The Recount (@therecount) November 22, 2024 The nomination of Gaetz, a staunch Trump loyalist, was immediately criticized by Democrats and some Republicans, who expressed concern over the investigations into Gaetz over alleged sexual misconduct. Gaetz announced his decision to drop out of attorney general consideration on Thursday after meeting with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. He said it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.” The House Ethics Committee has weighed releasing a report on Gaetz after looking into the sexual misconduct allegations against him. CNN reported on Thursday that the Ethics Committee was told of a second alleged sexual encounter between Gaetz and a 17-year-old girl in 2017. According to CNN, Gaetz announced that he was withdrawing his name 45 minutes after reporters had asked for comment from him on the second allegation. Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to replace Gaetz as the attorney general nominee on Thursday, a move praised by Gaetz. “@PamBondi is a stellar selection by President Trump for Attorney General,” Gaetz posted on X. “Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house. She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.” CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE To fill Gaetz’s seat, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special election, and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said an election date would be announced as soon as possible. Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, but the party isn’t concerned about losing Gaetz’s seat as Florida’s 1st district is deep red. Gaetz told Kirk on Friday, “There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service. And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation.” “I’m going to be fighting for President Trump,” he added. “I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.” Daniel Chaitin contributed to this report. 

President Joe Biden’s administration is punishing Oklahoma for refusing to promote abortion, Oklahoma Senator James Lankford argued in an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court first obtained by The Daily Wire. The statement of interest, which is signed by 19 members of Congress — including Senators Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Steve Daines of Montana, and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi — argues that the Biden administration suspended the $4.5 million Title X Family Planning grant formerly awarded to Oklahoma’s Department of Health as a way to punish the state for refusing to promote abortion. In Oklahoma, abortions of unborn babies are only allowed if the health of the mother is in danger. The Department of Health and Human Services had awarded the $4.5 million to the Oklahoma State Department of Health to spend on “family planning services” — then rescinded the sum effective May 24, 2023, after finding that Oklahoma would not spend the money on abortion. In September, the Supreme Court rejected Oklahoma’s request that the High Court restore the federal family planning grant that the Biden administration had removed. Lankford filed the brief on Monday, in reference to Oklahoma v. Department of Health and Human Services. It argues that “the right of conscience is fundamental to our American freedoms” and that this freedom should be guaranteed by “protecting all health care providers from being forced to perform, refer, or pay for elective abortions.” “President Biden is obsessed with elective abortion on demand,” Lankford told The Daily Wire. “Oklahomans should not have to miss out on funding for critical health services for women, AIDS testing, and cancer screenings because of the Administration’s extreme abortion agenda. I am proud to lead my colleagues on this brief that puts actual health care ahead of politics.” The lawmakers describe themselves, in the statement of interest, as “pro-life elected representatives” who are committed to “protecting mothers, unborn children, and families from the harms of the abortion industry.” These lawmakers have voted annually to adopt the Weldon Amendment, they wrote, which protects health care institutions from discrimination against those institutions’ right to “conscientiously object against ending unborn human life.” Lankford has pushed back against the removal of the millions of dollars stripped from Oklahoma. He introduced a bill in July 2023 that would have clarified that the Department of Health and Human Services can’t discriminate against Title X grantees for their pro-life stances. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. And in June 2023, Lankford led Oklahoma congressional delegation in sending a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, an outspoken pro-abortion Biden administration official. The letter argued that “HHS has chosen to prioritize abortion instead of prioritizing actual health care, by suspending Title X funding awarded to OSDH because of its obligation to abide by federal law and the state laws of Oklahoma.” “It is absurd that HHS is suspending funds previously granted to OSDH for its refusal to refer for a procedure that the underlying federal statute explicitly forbids,” Lankford, and a number of his colleagues, wrote in the letter at the time. Click here to read the full amicus brief.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces that Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu could face arrest upon entering Canada due to an ICC warrant. Netanyahu denies charges, claiming Israel’s defensive actions in Gaza. The United States rejects ICC’s jurisdiction over Israeli actions. Trudeau Supports International Justice Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would face arrest if he visits Canada. This statement comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes related to actions in Gaza. Trudeau’s stance aligns with Canada’s commitment to international law as a founding member of the ICC. This approach demonstrates Canada’s support for global justice and accountability mechanisms. The Canadian leader reiterated his country’s support for a cease-fire and a two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trudeau emphasized that Canada would honor the ICC’s rulings, illustrating Canada’s dedication to maintaining international order and rule of law. Canada PM Justin Trudeau asked about ICC warrants against Israeli leaders + if he will allow Canadian law enforcement to arrest them: "…it's really important that everyone abide by international law…we will abide by all the regulations & rulings of the international courts." https://t.co/cbb654j0uA pic.twitter.com/KAAP5C2o5Y — Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) November 21, 2024 Opposition from the United States The United States government, led by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, has rejected the ICC’s decision, claiming the court lacks jurisdiction over Israeli military actions. The U.S. contends that neither the United States nor Israel is a member of the ICC, further complicating the potential arrest and extradition processes. This rejection showcases differing international viewpoints on the ICC’s authority. Netanyahu himself has strongly denounced the ICC’s charges, describing them as false and absurd. He likened the court’s accusations to a modern Dreyfus trial, indicating their perceived unfairness. Netanyahu further argued that Israel’s military actions were necessary defense measures, denying any intentional targeting of civilians. Trudeau says Canada would abide by ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former defence minister – The Globe and Mail https://t.co/igZkhEZARI — Robert Fife (@RobertFife) November 21, 2024 Evaluating War Crimes Accountability This ongoing situation encourages critical discussions around the legitimacy and effectiveness of international legal bodies in addressing war crimes and ensuring accountability. As a Palestinian leader from Hamas, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, also faces an ICC warrant for war crimes despite reports of his death, the case emphasizes the complex landscape of international justice. In response to the ICC’s decision, Netanyahu declared that Israel would not recognize the validity of the court’s ruling. As these global debates unfold, the stance taken by Canada and other nations continues to shape the discourse around accountability and justice in the international sphere, posing significant implications for state leaders and their actions on the world stage. Sources: Trudeau would arrest Netanyahu? Trudeau will abide by ICC? The post Trudeau’s will ARREST Netanyahu?! appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

'She’s making breakthroughs'

'I do not intend to join the 119th Congress'

'Trump’s willingness to challenge entrenched power has made him a target'

'Fully enforced'

A post shared on social media purports that President-elect Donald Trump’s border czar pick said he will deport so many people that “we will not need to press one for English again.” ?BREAKING? Tom Homan said that “He’s going to do his job so well that you’ll never have to press #1 for English again.” Trump […]

A viral post shared on Threads claims 10 major companies, including Disney, have stopped posting on X as of November 2024.   View on Threads   Verdict: Misleading The claim is misleading. Only IBM and The Colbert Show have stopped posting on X, with their last activity on the platform being in late 2023. Fact […]