President-elect Donald Trump will reportedly be joined by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at the annual Army-Navy football game next weekend amid reports that Trump would consider his former campaign rival for Secretary of Defense if his current nominee Pete Hegseth can’t win confirmation in the Senate. Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin posted on X: “Florida Governor @RonDeSantis will attend the Army-Navy football game with President Elect @realDonaldTrump next Saturday, per source familiar with DeSantis’ schedule.” NEW: Florida Governor @RonDeSantis will attend the Army-Navy football game with President Elect @realDonaldTrump next Saturday, per source familiar with DeSantis’ schedule. — Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) December 6, 2024 The 125th game in the series takes place on Saturday, December 14th, in Landover, Maryland. The New York Times reported that Trump was having conversations about replacing Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth with DeSantis as Hegseth continues to face intense scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct and other forms of misconduct, which Hegseth denies. Trump, however, maintains that he is committed to Hegseth. On Friday he posted a message of support for Hegseth on Truth Social, writing: “Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe. He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” The Times reported that Trump liked the idea of giving DeSantis the job because it would be a “big story” if he “resurrected DeSantis after defeating him.” Trump is also reportedly impressed with the executive competence that DeSantis has shown governing the state of Florida. CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Hegseth has continued to fight to save his nomination by meeting with U.S. Senators and doing media interviews where he has owned up to past behavior in his personal life, as some reports have indicated up to 8 Republican Senators do not support his nomination. Vice President-elect JD Vance said on Friday that the incoming administration is committed to sending Hegseth’s nomination to the Senate and forcing the issue in the legislature. “Pete Hegseth is going to get his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, not a sham hearing before the American media,” Vance said. “We’re not abandoning this nomination.”

Brendan Carr, President-elect Trump’s pick for the FCC chair, is set on dismantling the social media “censorship cartel” using an aggressive strategy to invigorate free speech. Carr suggests that platforms censor speech under pressure from various entities. Targeting Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act is part of Carr’s strategy. Who is Brendan Carr? Brendan Carr has emerged as a key figure in the ongoing battle for free speech, nominated by President-elect Trump to chair the FCC. Carr’s mission is clear: dismantle the oppressive “censorship cartel” that he perceives to be strangling diverse perspectives on social media platforms, where ideological leanings often dictate moderation policies. Carr sees this as an unprecedented surge in censorship, one that he vows to tackle head-on. With bold statements and a determined demeanor, Carr argues that social media companies are not only self-censoring but are also bowing to pressures from governments and advertisers alike. His assertion is that these entities have transformed digital spaces into echo chambers, where government and corporate interests can unduly influence discourse to the detriment of intellectual diversity and free speech. Trump’s pick for FCC chair has called for the FCC to clamp down on social media companies over accusations of censorship, a stance critics see as the kind of overreach that Republicans typically decry. https://t.co/OL9YIM0M9t — Roll Call (@rollcall) November 19, 2024 Challenging Section 230 One of the foundational elements of Carr’s strategy involves re-evaluating Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—a provision granting tech companies immunity over third-party content. Carr suggests it has been cynically used to chill diversified speech, and potentially, the FCC could reform its application to promote more speech rather than less. Conservative observers have long criticized social media giants for their alleged bias, eagerly awaiting concrete action to safeguard free speech. This frustration catalyzes Carr’s backing for a seismic policy shift to ensure that platforms remain open to all perspectives without ideological filtration. The Hill: Trump FCC pick promises crackdown on social media ‘censorship cartel’ — Josh Caplan (@joshdcaplan) December 3, 2024 Implications for Future Policy Carr’s proposition is a perennial point of contention and resonates significantly across the tech industry. Reforming Section 230 could chart a detectable shift in how tech companies engage with content moderation, marking a stark departure from existing practices. However, such transformation doesn’t come without risking legal complexities, potential resistance from the tech industry, and the daunting yet necessary challenge of maintaining balance between regulation and innovation. The debate is poised to unfold over several stages, scrutinized heavily by both supporters who see a hope to rectify perceived biases, and critics wary of possible overreach in regulation. With momentum growing, Carr’s actions could well define how information flows on platforms that occupy such a broad swath of collective consciousness. Sources: FCC pick concerned about social media censorship FCC will have a new direction The post FCC Nominee Targets Social Media Censorship, Promises Free Speech Reform appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

The Republican Party’s triumph in regaining Senate control signals a new era of conservative governance poised to reshape America’s legislative future. The GOP flipped Senate seats in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, securing a 53-seat majority. Times are changing. The Strategic GOP Gains Republicans regained control of the U.S. Senate by flipping crucial seats in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Jim Justice, formerly a Democrat, captured the West Virginia seat following Joe Manchin’s retirement. Ohio’s race was the most financially demanding in U.S. history, with Bernie Moreno triumphing over Sherrod Brown. A significant victory in Montana saw Tim Sheehy unseat 18-year incumbent Jon Tester, marking an influential phase for GOP governance. Securing at least 53 Senate seats potentially provides Republicans with a robust legislative platform. Close races in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nevada could bolster this majority. Alongside Senate triumphs, the GOP has also fortified its presence in the House of Representatives, indicating a political trifecta alongside the presidency for the first time since 2018. This dominance will likely foster a legislative reorientation aligning with Republican priorities. Republicans didn’t give us the House Speaker we wanted. Republicans didn’t give us the Senate Majority Leader we wanted. Republicans aren’t giving us the cabinet picks we want. For the last 4 years republicans have not give us a single thing we wanted. Why should we vote… — Philip Anderson (@VoteHarrisOut) December 4, 2024 Implications for Policy and Governance The Republican win sets the stage for policy shift, with potential implications for hot-button issues such as environmental regulations and social welfare programs. With a newfound majority, Republicans aim to execute comprehensive reforms addressing economic and national security concerns. According to Congressman Tom Emmer, “Now, with the trifecta in hand, we stand ready and united behind President Trump to deliver on his America First agenda once and for all.” Elon Musk visits Capitol with son X to meet incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune pic.twitter.com/2lOqDxDsCx — Byte (@ByteEcosystem) December 5, 2024 The GOP could also influence judicial appointments, capitalizing on the opportunity to reshape America’s judiciary landscape. Meanwhile, Democrats face the challenge of adapting strategies following this crucial loss, emphasizing the need for adaptive and innovative tactics to regain influence in upcoming elections. Looking Forward: Potential Challenges and Opportunities With discussions underway about replacing Mitch McConnell with Rick Scott as Senate Republican leader, the party’s evolving dynamics present uncertainties alongside fresh opportunities for policy-making. As Speaker of the House Mike Johnson asserted, “We are unified and energized and ready to go. We have to deliver for the American people beginning on day one of the new Congress and we will be ready for that.” The future political landscape remains fluid, suggesting possible realignments and strategic shifts as parties navigate new electoral terrains. Cautious optimism pervades Republican ranks, yet the challenges of compromised bipartisanship and effective governance loom large. This historic Senate majority could either solidify Republican standing or propel a cycle of rigorous electoral strategizing among opposing factions. Sources: The GOP and the Senate majority The GOP Senate The post How a Republican-Led Senate Could Reshape America’s Political Scene appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda poses a serious health threat as fear of its spread concerns neighboring nations. Health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak, raising alarm about its potential global spread. The U.S. issued a travel advisory urging caution for Americans traveling to Rwanda as of November 22nd. Current Situation in Rwanda Health officials are carefully monitoring the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, as the situation requires close surveillance to prevent cross-border spread. This virus, often compared to Ebola, has already led to 15 deaths and afflicted 66 individuals since its first confirmation in September. With the U.S. State Department issuing a travel advisory on November 22, it emphasizes the urgency of these health alerts. The majority of those infected in Rwanda work within the healthcare sector, where they are at significant risk of contracting the virus. Health care workers represent most cases, with a recovery rate around 75%. Despite the grim statistics, the situation appears controlled provided no further cases arise. "At this time, travel and trade restrictions are ineffective and unnecessary for the control of the ongoing outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda," – @WHO https://t.co/7vf99Hf951 https://t.co/ONN8mhmEwZ — Ministry of Health | Rwanda (@RwandaHealth) October 11, 2024 Understanding the Marburg Virus Threat The Marburg virus causes a severe hemorrhagic fever, characterized by symptoms that mimic influenza initially but may progress into extreme conditions such as weight loss, jaundice, and massive internal and external bleeding. With its fatality rate ranging from 20% to 90%, Marburg’s ability to spread swiftly via bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces requires vigilant precautions. .@RwandaHealth has reported cases of #Marburg. @WHO is scaling up its support and will work with the government of #Rwanda to stop the spread of the virus and protect people at risk.https://t.co/F5PS91cdOa pic.twitter.com/nEC06viE6n — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) September 28, 2024 No confirmed cases have been reported in the United States as of now, and the CDC indicates a low risk of infection domestically. However, precautions remain crucial given the lack of specific drugs or vaccines for the virus. Supportive care remains the most effective treatment currently available. Containment and Global Cooperation The international response highlights the necessity of global cooperation to avoid a wider spread of the virus. An outbreak is declared over after a 42-day period without new infections post the last recovered patient’s negative test results. As global health bodies work together, monitoring and preventing new cases till December 22 will be pivotal. Prevention strategies focus on minimizing contact with infected individuals and avoiding the Egyptian rousette bats, which are the primary natural hosts. This meticulous containment effort aims at reaching the end goal of a Marburg-free Rwanda, signaling essential progress towards controlling the spread of this deadly virus. Sources: Marburg outbreak in Africa Outbreak of deadly virus The post Rwanda Faces Marburg Virus Challenge: Global Preparedness in Question appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson’s arrest by the FBI has illustrated the level of corruption in the city. She faces charges including wire fraud and theft involving federal programs. Ms. Fenandes Anderson was once an illegal immigrant. Arrest and Charges Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested by the FBI, facing six felony charges: five counts of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. The indictment suggests a kickback scheme where taxpayer money was misappropriated in exchange for bribes. Boston residents are concerned about the implications this has for political accountability. Fernandes Anderson allegedly awarded a $13,000 bonus to a staff member, a relative, on the condition that $7,000 be returned to her. This transaction reportedly took place in a City Hall bathroom, and text messages included in the indictment detail the cash handover arrangements, further complicating her legal standing. BREAKING: Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson has been arrested on federal public corruption charges. https://t.co/PvfSVHt8F7 — NBC10 Boston (@NBC10Boston) December 6, 2024 Ethics and Family Connections The charges also highlight a violation of city ethics rules, as Fernandes Anderson hired family members and misrepresented her relationship with a staffer. The Massachusetts State Ethics Commission had already fined her $5,000 earlier in the year, yet these indictments indicate continued fraudulent activities. These developments are especially significant given Fernandes Anderson’s background. Arriving in the U.S. as an illegal immigrant from Cape Verde at age 10, she embodies a narrative common in political circles that emphasizes overcoming adversity and contributing to society. BREAKING. Another Democrat has been arrested for public corruption. Boston FBI agents arrested City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson on Friday morning on charges of wire fraud and theft related to federally funded programs. Agents were seen outside her Dorchester home as… pic.twitter.com/VbmARQmlaT — Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) December 6, 2024 Impact on Public Perception Fernandes Anderson’s arrest and the charges against her underscore the tension between fostering diversity within political spheres and maintaining ethical integrity. These events have fueled discussions about how media shapes public perception and the critical role of ethics and accountability in political office. As Boston reassesses the efficacy of its leadership, the broader conversation about diversity, ethics, and accountability in public service persists. The unfolding legal proceedings will be crucial in determining both Fernandes Anderson’s future and broader interpretations of integrity in public office. Sources: Kickbacks in Boston ‘Woke” Boston council member busted for kickbacks. The post Councilor’s FBI Capture: Impact on Diversity and Political Integrity Explored appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

'Really was never a recklessness case'

The Heritage Foundation launched an ad campaign on Friday promoting President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth. On Nov. 21, The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America announced the launch of a $1 million campaign advocating for prompt Senate confirmation of Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Of that, $50,000 will go toward bolstering Hegseth’s nomination. The conservative think tank will use the funding to hit 785,00 impressions over the course of the next week, a spokeswoman told The Daily Signal. The ad will be placed on platforms such as Hulu, Roku, Max, YouTube TV, and local news stations. Heritage also plans to send three text messages on behalf of Hegseth’s military record to targeted audiences throughout the week. “President Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense has brought out the worst in the mainstream media and the radical Left,” Mary Vought, Heritage’s vice president of strategic communications, told The Daily Signal. “This is the first of many anticipated attacks on President Trump’s Cabinet nominees.” “Heritage is committed to educating the American people on the need for a fair confirmation process,” she continued. “These smears and accusations are nothing but a distraction from his solid military record and his commitment to the American people and our national security.” ?New @Heritage ad ???@PeteHegseth knows how to restore the strength of our military and uproot the entrenched Pentagon bureaucracy. ?? pic.twitter.com/rnA9VITuuR— Mary Vought (@MaryVought) December 6, 2024 Trump announced Hegseth—whose military career included deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan and the awarding of two Bronze Stars—as his pick for secretary of defense on Nov. 12. Following the announcement of Hegseth’s nomination, reports of a sexual assault allegation surfaced, along with other outlets claiming the former Fox News host had abused alcohol. The New York Times published on Nov. 29 a leaked 2018 email from Hegseth’s mother, criticizing her son for allegedly mistreating women. On Wednesday, however, Penelope Hegseth told Fox News host Steve Doocy she wrote the message in the heat of the moment—and apologized to her son two hours later in a second email that hadn’t been leaked, The New York Post reported. She blasted The New York Times as “despicable.” Hegseth told SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly on Wednesday that he thinks he’s the target of a “smear” campaign comparable to that of the Senate confirmation hearings for now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. “I had a member [of Congress], not 45 minutes ago, look me in the eye in private, just he and I, and say, ‘That’s what they’re trying to do to you,’” Hegseth said. “‘That’s their playbook. Get ready for more, and they’re going to make it up, just like they have so far. All anonymous, all innuendo, all rumor, nothing sourced, no verification, and they’re just going to keep doing it, because you’re a threat to them. You’re a threat to their system. You’re a threat to all the things in Washington D.C., the swamp, the things that people have rejected. You’re a threat to that, and so they’re coming after you.’” Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who has been reported as being ambivalent at best about the Hegseth nomination, posted late Friday afternoon on X that she and the nominee “will continue our constructive conversations as we move forward together in this process,” adding: “We plan to meet again next week. At a minimum, we agree that he deserves the opportunity to lay out his vision for our warfighters at a fair hearing.” Pete Hegseth and I will continue our constructive conversations as we move forward together in this process. We plan to meet again next week.At a minimum, we agree that he deserves the opportunity to lay out his vision for our warfighters at a fair hearing.— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) December 6, 2024 The post Heritage Launches $50K Ad Campaign Backing Hegseth’s Bid for Defense Chief appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Projection, Thy Name Is Obama

I don’t remember the first time I heard someone say, “Christianity isn’t a religion; it’s a relationship,” but I do remember I heard it sometime during my high school years. I graduated high school in 2001, and the saying had already made its way to my ears in south Texas. I don’t know how much earlier it had been circulated.For the longest time, I loved that expression. I remember repeating it to others, and I’m fairly sure it showed up in early sermons that I preached.“Christianity isn’t a religion; it’s a relationship.” It rang true to me because I was aware, even in my teenage years, of how suspicious many people were about organized religion. The expression basically said to people, “God wants a relationship with you through Christ. That’s what Christianity is all about.”But false dichotomies are a real thing — and that expression is one of them.I think the expression “Christianity isn’t a religion; it’s a relationship” is meant to be helpful and not dismissive of anything true. Those who use the expression are probably trying to cut through the negative impressions that some people have about religious practices and duties. They’re trying to show Christianity’s distinctiveness as something based on God’s grace rather than man’s works. And they’re trying to emphasize the good news that God has graciously pursued sinners through a redemptive plan that culminates in his son’s perfect atoning sacrifice. In Christ, we have a relationship with God that is characterized by pardon and life and peace.But before you believe someone who says Christianity isn’t a religion, what’s the definition of a religion? Defining terms is key in every discussion. And if someone is framing a “religion” as something that is inherently false and works-based, then Christianity isn’t that. But the definition of a religion is broader, more general.Following Jesus is not some nebulous and vague notion that people can do no matter what they believe or how they live.A religion is a set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices. These beliefs pertain to all manner of things, like whether there is a god and what the meaning of life is and whether anything happens after death.Christianity is a religion because holy scripture identifies the attitudes, beliefs, and practices of Christians. If someone says, “Christianity is about a relationship with God,” we should ask follow-up questions. What is this God like? What does a relationship with him entail? How is a relationship with God established? Where did Christianity come from? Why wasn’t this desirable relationship with God something we already had? What should be my response to this relationship?Once we start asking and answering these questions, we’ve entered the realm of what Christians believe. And beliefs are integral to a religion.Christianity also has practices. There are things like praying and fasting and giving and singing. There is assembling as God’s people for corporate worship. There is the Great Commission, in which Christ has called for his disciples to make disciples of the nations.Following Jesus is not some nebulous and vague notion that people can do no matter what they believe or how they live. Christianity is a religion. We aren’t helping people when we distort what Christianity is.And Christianity is also the good news about God’s merciful rescue of sinners — his unbreakable union with them by grace and through faith and in Christ. Praise God that Christianity has relational news! But God also has a relationship with non-believers — a relationship of enmity. Rebels against God are pursuing a hostile relationship with him. What sinners need is a new and reconciled relationship with God. Christianity declares the good news of Christ being the way, the truth, and the life for sinners (John 14:6).Don’t be reluctant to claim and explain that Christianity is a religion and a relationship. Rather than doing away with the term “religion,” we should incorporate the terms “true” and “false.” The Christian message is about true religion, true worship, true life. The man-made and works-based religions of the world are false because there is no other god but the living God who has revealed himself in Christ Jesus.As we help people understand what it means to trust and follow Jesus, we should want to avoid speaking in a way that over-individualizes discipleship. After all, some people have a spiritual allergy to gathering together, submitting to authority, and living obediently. They like a “me and Jesus” version of Christianity because it costs them nothing, and they can maintain life as they see fit while claiming to be “spiritual but not religious.” When we say that “Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship,” we unwittingly play into the problem of individualization that plagues the lives of many professing Christians.Does Christianity teach about God’s new relationship with sinners through faith in Christ? Yes. But is Christianity still a religion? Of course. In fact, it is true religion. It is the true worship of and obedience to the living God. And it involves the understanding that Christ has redeemed a people from the nations for his glory. He has laid down his life for his bride, the Church.When we help people understand what it means to trust and follow Jesus, we need to be sure we’re honoring what scripture teaches about discipleship. We are to follow Jesus with the people of Jesus.This essay was originally published at Dr. Mitchell Chase's Substack, "Biblical Theology."

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz admitted that he was a "little surprised" at the devastating loss he and Vice President Kamala Harris suffered at the ballot box. He talked about his reaction to the election results in a series of interviews, his first since the devastating losses for Democrats. Republicans seized control of the U.S. Senate, retained control of the U.S. House, and won the Oval Office as well. 'The presidential campaign is brutal and this one was particularly ugly and all of those things ...' While Democrats have been bitterly attacking each other in an attempt to assign blame for the election, Walz offered a very simply explanation that blamed the voter. “It felt like at the rallies, at the things I was going to, the shops I was going in that the momentum was going our way and it obviously wasn’t at the end," he explained to KTSP-TV. "So yeah, I was a little surprised. I thought we had a positive message and I thought the country was ready for that," he added. He elaborated on his explanation in a separate interview with WCCO-TV. "I think what we have to understand is the mood where people are at and understanding where they're at. I think economic issues did impact them," Walz said. "I think we're going to have to understand — what type of leadership do they want?" he continued. "We were pledging to be inclusive. We were pledging to bring people in. Donald Trump has said that that isn't what he wants, and so if that's what America is leaning towards, I guess for me, it's to understand and learn more about America because I thought that they were going to probably move towards a more positive message."'On this one, I did the best I could.' Walz also had little to say about the controversy over Harris picking him as a running mate and whether it hurt the campaign to snub Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. “History will write that,” he replied. “It wasn’t my decision to make. It was the vice president’s decision," he added. "As I said in this campaign, when you asked the question, were there things you could have done differently? Since we lost, the answer is obviously yes. On this one, I did the best I could.”Walz indicated that he was relieved the election was over. "The presidential campaign is brutal and this one was particularly ugly and all of those things," he said. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!