Texas claims in filings that challenges to 2023 election are invalid, results are final
In court filings Tuesday, the secretary of state’s office argued that the plaintiffs in the election contests “never served a citation” properly. But there’s no guarantee it’ll work.
White House interns mocked for issuing anonymous anti-Israel ‘demand’ letter to the president
The White House interns who sent an anonymous “demand” letter to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for a ceasefire in the Israel war were mocked online for. A group of 40 interns, who did not put their names on the letter, made headlines after they demanded the president and vice president push for a “permanent cease-fire” in the war between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas. “We, the undersigned Fall 2023 White House and Executive Office of the President interns, will no longer remain silent on the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people,” the interns’ letter begins. “We are Palestinian, Jewish, Arab, Muslim, Christian, Black, Asian, Latine, White, and Queer.” WHITE HOUSE INTERNS REBEL AGAINST BIDEN WITH PRO-PALESTINIAN LETTER DEMANDING CEASE-FIRE “We heed the voices of the American people and call on the Administration to demand a permanent cease-fire,” the letter continued. “We are not the decision makers of today, but we aspire to be the leaders of tomorrow, and we will never forget how the pleas of the American people have been heard and thus far, ignored.” The letter adds that while the interns were “horrified” by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that launched the war, they oppose the “brutal and genocidal response by the Israeli government, funded by our American tax dollars, which has killed over 14,000 innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza, a large percentage of whom are children” — echoing a death statistic from the Hamas-run Palestinian Ministry of Health. The progressive demands from the anonymous interns, however, did not hit home with the many on X, formerly Twitter, who mocked the interns for demanding the president of the United States capitulate to their foreign policy. “Hate to say it, but interns who think they have the right to usurp the President’s role as policy maker, are not wise enough to be interning anywhere, let alone in the White House,” the Democratic Majority for Israel tweeted. “Interns going ‘Veep’ on Biden,” congressional meme king Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., tweeted, referencing the hit TV show. “Incredible. The media is writing breathlessly about anonymous interns who demand Biden support Hamas,” Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton tweeted. Other users didn’t hold back on their thoughts on the interns — or the press coverage about the letter. The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the criticism of the interns they hired. A temporary cease-fire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect in late November but lasted for only a week before fighting resumed in the Gaza Strip. On Tuesday, Biden blamed Hamas for breaking the pause in fighting, telling donors the terrorist group’s “refusal to release the remaining young women is what broke this deal.” Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman contributed reporting.
Georgia’s redrawn congressional map nears passage as special redistricting session approaches likely end
A Georgia special session to redraw congressional and legislative voting district maps is likely to end Thursday after a House committee on Wednesday advanced a Republican-favored congressional map that targets Democratic U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath’s current district. However, the wrangling is unlikely to end there, with those who brought the challenges that overturned the current maps likely to argue in court that Georgia’s Republican-controlled General Assembly has violated the federal court order that directed them to produce new maps. The House Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee, with little debate, voted 9-4 on Wednesday to send the congressional map to the full House for a vote. The plan, which passed the state Senate 33-22 on Tuesday, seeks a wholesale reconfiguration of a suburban Atlanta district now represented by McBath. GEORGIA REPUBLICANS PUSH FORWARD WITH REDISTRICTING PLANS BY ADVANCING NEW LEGISLATIVE MAPS Lawmakers were called into special session after U.S. District Judge Steve Jones ruled in October that Georgia’s congressional, state Senate and state House maps violate federal law by diluting Black voting power. Jones mandated Black majorities in one additional congressional district, two additional state Senate districts and five additional state House districts. Jones instructed lawmakers to create the new congressional district on metro Atlanta’s western side. Republicans have already given final passage to a new state Senate map likely to retain Republicans’ current 33-23 majority in that chamber, and a new House map that could cut the GOP majority there by one or two seats from the current 102-78 margin. Republicans say the plans meet Jones’ requirements to draw more majority-Black districts. “Well, I’m optimistic or cautiously optimistic that we’ve done what the judge wants because we’ve complied with the text of his order,” House Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee Chairman Rob Leverett, an Elberton Republican, told reporters after the meeting. The committee rejected a Democratic proposal that would have likely cut the Republican congressional margin by one seat to 8-6, by forcing Republican U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde to run against either U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick or U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. They are both Republicans as well. Democrats say they don’t believe Republicans are doing what Jones wanted. GEORGIA SENATE GOP PROPOSES MAP WITH 2 BLACK-MAJORITY DISTRICTS TO ADDRESS VOTE DILUTION CONCERNS “They’re still looking for power and not progress in the state of Georgia,” said House Minority Leader James Beverly, a Macon Democrat. The GOP congressional map creates a new majority-Black district in parts of Fulton, Douglas, Cobb and Fayette counties on Atlanta’s west side. But instead of targeting a Republican, it shifts McBath’s current district into a district tailored for McCormick, stretching from Atlanta’s northern suburbs into its heavily Republican northern mountains. It’s the second time in two years that Republicans have targeted McBath, a gun control activist. McBath, who is Black, initially won election in a majority-white district in Atlanta’s northern suburbs. Georgia Republicans in 2021 took that district, once represented by Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and drew it into much more Republican territory. At the same time, they made another district more Democratic. McBath jumped into that district and beat Democratic incumbent Carolyn Bordeaux in a 2022 primary. Jones could provide answers to whether he will accept Republican plans in short order. On Wednesday, saying “time is of the essence in this matter,” he set a Dec. 20 hearing to consider the legislative maps. If Jones rejects any or all of them, he is likely to appoint a special master to draw maps on behalf of the court.
Another panga boat washes up on beach near homes of Hollywood stars
Little more than a week after a panga boat full of suspected illegal migrants landed on a California beach near the homes of Hollywood stars, another vessel was spotted Wednesday morning in the area. A homeowner reported seeing the panga boat — narrow, high-bowed vessels often used by human and drug smugglers — at Malibu’s El Pescador Beach around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. The Los Angeles County Fire Department was first on the scene. Responding units found the overturned boat on the shoreline with a debris field, including 15 fuel canisters and a few personal items, a spokesman told Fox News Digital. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Border Patrol were alerted and opened an investigation. FEDS DETAIN 48 HAITIAN MIGRANTS ON UNINHABITED ISLAND OFF PUERTO RICAN COAST The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene and lifeguards were monitoring the area for signs of people in distress. GOP LAWMAKER SEEKS TO TORPEDO DOJ EFFORTS TARGETING TEXAS’ BORDER BUOY BARRIER The sighting comes after a boat full of suspected illegal migrants landed on a beach in Malibu last week. An exclusive video, obtained by Fox News’ Bill Melugin, shows a boat pulling up to a beach the morning of Nov. 28. Around 25 people can be seen leaping out of the vessel and dashing towards land. The boat is then left in the water. Ritzy Malibu is home to countless liberal celebrities such as Barbra Streisand, Leonardo DiCaprio and Cher, and is full of high-end luxury homes, many of which are on the waterfront close to where the boat beached. Melugin said such a landing, which is a common tactic used by illegal immigrants descending on European countries, is extremely rare given that Malibu is more than 100 miles north of the border. He said it was unclear if anyone was apprehended. Malibu is about 30 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. Fox News’ Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
Ohio Senate approves new director for overhauled education department
Ohio’s recently revamped education department has a new director, approved by the Republican-majority Senate on Wednesday. Steve Dackin, who will head the new Department of Education and Workforce, was already appointed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine earlier this month, but required the final go-ahead from upper chamber lawmakers. Dackin said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press that he was both honored and excited to lead the department, adding that with the governor, they “have a significant opportunity to shape the outcome for Ohio’s students and families, the future workforce and, ultimately, the success of our state and its residents.” OHIO HOUSE COMMITTEE ADVANCES CONTROVERSIAL HIGHER EDUCATION BILL Dackin attended the University of Dayton and has a master’s degree in education administration. He is a former teacher, principal, Reynoldsburg school superintendent, superintendent of school and community partnerships for Columbus State Community College and vice president for the State Board of Education. He’s also the former state superintendent of public instruction, a role that headed the previous Ohio Department of Education. However, he resigned 11 days into the job following the launch of an ethics investigation into his professional conduct. The Ohio Ethics Commission investigated Dackin for ethics violations after his resignation as the vice president of the state board. He then applied for the state superintendent position. Dackin had been in charge of the search committee looking for a new superintendent, then resigned from the board and applied for the job himself. Dackin reached a settlement with the ethics commission, did not take pay for the 11 days he was in office and participated in ethics training. The new director’s confirmation comes in the midst of a lawsuit claiming the overhaul of the education department, passed earlier this summer through the state’s budget, is unconstitutional, and asked for an injunction to stop the new department from going into effect. The injunction was ultimately denied, but the lawsuit is still making its way through the Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
Cruz, Cornyn join Senate Republicans in demanding border overhaul for Ukraine aid
Texas Republicans refuse to back continued aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan without a major hardening of border security policy.
GOP lawmakers block Biden security aid to Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific, press for more border funding
Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked billions of dollars in additional security aid to Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific, as they pressed President Biden to focus on tougher measures at the U.S.-Mexico border. Votes came 49-51, falling short of the Senate’s 60-vote threshold for passing. The failure to pass came hours after President Biden said it was “stunning” that Congress has not yet approved tens of billions in military and economic assistance for Ukraine. The Biden administration has warned of dire consequences for Kyiv, and a “gift” to Russia’s Vladimir Putin, if lawmakers don’t act. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Some Democrats join Republicans in voting to strike down Biden’s EV mandate
The House voted Wednesday evening in favor of legislation striking down federal regulations targeting gas-powered vehicles which, according to the White House, are designed to “accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.” In a 221-197 vote, the House approved the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act with 216 Republicans and five Democrats voting in favor. A group of more than a dozen Republican lawmakers, led by Reps. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., and Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., introduced the legislation in July in response to the Biden administration’s tailpipe emissions regulations unveiled months earlier. “The passage of the CARS Act is a massive victory for every consumer and the entire American auto industry,” Walberg told Fox News Digital. “Biden’s mandate has always been unrealistic, and a textbook study on how central planning and Bidenomics simply do not work. Mandating EVs has never been a responsible or affordable solution.” “Americans should always have the option to buy whatever car suits them the best and the House has taken a massive step toward ensuring that opportunity still exists,” he added. STUDY CASTS DOUBT ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES’ CLIMATE, COST BENEFITS: ‘WON’T ACHIEVE THE GOALS INTENDED’ The CARS Act would particularly block regulations proposed in April by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) which would significantly increase tailpipe emissions standards for gas-powered cars. The bill would also prohibit any rule mandating the use of a specific technology or regulations that limit the availability of new vehicles based on engine type. If the EPA rule is finalized, the White House projected that a staggering 67% of new sedan, crossover, SUV and light truck, and up to 50% of bus and garbage truck purchases could be electric by 2032. While the proposal isn’t technically a mandate, the the Biden administration boasted it would be a key part of its efforts to push greater EV adoption. MARCO RUBIO LEADS EFFORT TO BLOCK CLEAN ENERGY CREDITS FROM AUTOMAKERS THAT OFFSHORE JOBS “Auto Innovators does not believe [the proposed standards] can be met without substantially increasing the cost of vehicles, reducing consumer choice, and disadvantaging major portions of the United States population,” John Bozzella, the CEO of the large auto industry group Alliance for Automotive Innovation which supports EVs, said after the EPA published its proposal in April. “Taken together, the proposed GHG and criteria pollutant standards are so stringent as to set a de facto BEV mandate,” he added. Opponents of EPA’s actions — which are part of the Biden administration’s broader effort to increase EV ownership in the U.S. and fight global warming by curbing carbon emissions produced by the transportation sector — have argued the new standards would ultimately harm consumers through higher costs and by forcing them to buy certain vehicles. They have also argued that a large EV push will benefit Chinese industry which currently dominates global EV battery supply chains. “Voting for the CARS Act and taking a stand against EPA’s de facto ban on most new gasoline, diesel, flex fuel and hybrid vehicles should not be a partisan issue for members of the House,” American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Vice President of Government Relations Aaron Ringel told Fox News Digital prior to the vote Wednesday. “Banning vehicle and fuel technologies based on just one category of emissions is unlawful, illogical and bad for consumers, families and our national security,” Ringel said. “It would trade our hard-earned energy security for dependence on China.” FORD DRAMATICALLY SCALES BACK EV PLANT AMID PLUMMETING SALES IN BLOW TO BIDEN’S GREEN ENERGY GOALS He noted, under the CARS Act, the EPA would maintain its authority to issue technology-neutral vehicle emission standards, but that those standards could not be manipulated to “force vehicle electrification.” Ahead of the vote Wednesday, though, Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee circulated a memo stating that aggressive emissions standards are vital to reduce pollution and reduce premature deaths. “Republicans are employing scare tactics to deliberately mislead the American people about EVs in order to prop up Big Oil corporations,” the memo stated. “The reality is that EVs are already popular, cheaper to own, and ongoing technological advancements are translating to better options for consumers every year.” Following the vote Wednesday, the CARS Act now moves to the Senate where it has already received bipartisan support. However, the White House said in a statement Monday that President Biden would veto the CARS Act if it is passed.
Texas progressive group previously bailed out suspect charged in deadly Austin, San Antonio shooting rampage
A suspect accused of six murders across Texas during a day-long shooting spree was previously charged with assaulting a family member and bailed out by a non-profit progressive group, according to local reports. Shane James, 34, is accused of killing six people and injuring others in Bexar County and Austin. James, who served as a U.S. Army Infantry officer from February 2013 to August 2015, is charged with several counts of capital murder. In January 2022, James was charged with aggravated assault against his mother, father and sister, Fox San Antonio reported. Bail records said James was bonded out by Texas Organizing Project, a non-profit focused on progressive issues that helped elect Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales and county Sheriff Javier Salazar. The group advocates for a number of liberal causes, including immigrant rights, healthcare justice, voting rights and climate justice, according to its website. Fox News Digital has reached out to TOP. SUSPECTED LOS ANGELES SERIAL KILLER GOT $700K SETTLEMENT FROM SANTA MONICA BEFORE SHOOTING SPREE Tuesday’s shooting spree in Austin began around 10:45 a.m. in the 7200 block of Bachman Drive, where an Austin Independent School district police officer was shot and injured, authorities said. Just over an hour later, police received 911 calls about a male and female killed at 7300 Shady Wood Drive, police said. The third shooting occurred just before 5 p.m. when authorities found a male cyclist shot and suffering non-life-threatening injuries. A fourth was reported after an Austin police officer responded to a burglary in progress in the 5300 block of Austral Loop. The suspect opened fire on the officer in the backyard of the residence, striking the officer multiple times. The wounded officer returned fire and sought cover. The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was in stable condition at a hospital as of Tuesday evening. James wasn’t hit during the exchange with the officer and fled the scene in a vehicle. He crashed several minutes later after a police chase and was taken into police custody. During a search of the home of the reported burglary, officers found two more victims dead, police said. James is being held in the Travis County jail with no bond. In a statement, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state is grieving “for the loved ones of the six Texans who were murdered by a hardened criminal who must never see the light of day again.” “The murderer also shot two law enforcement officers in the line of duty,” he added. “Texas is a law-and-order state, and violence will never be tolerated.”
Appointed St. Louis prosecutor running for full term
Gabe Gore, who was appointed as St. Louis’ top prosecutor by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in May after Kim Gardner’s sudden resignation, announced Wednesday that he is running for a full term in 2024. NEW ST. LOUIS PROSECUTOR SAYS HE’S ‘ENFORCING THE LAWS’ AMID NOTABLE VIOLENT CRIME CRACKDOWN Gore, a Democrat, was a St. Louis attorney and a partner in the Dowd Bennett law firm until his recent appointment. He has not previously run for public office. He took over as the city’s top prosecutor at a time when Gardner faced heavy criticism. Her turbulent tenure included prosecution of then-Gov. Eric Greitens in 2018, frequent run-ins with police, and criticism from Missouri Republican leaders over a backlog of cases and concerns about inefficient management. Gore said at a news conference on Tuesday that his office has prosecuted 45% more cases than in the same six-month period of 2022. He said he also has made a dent in a backlog of pending criminal cases by resolving about 2,500 of them — mostly violent crimes in a city with one of the highest homicide rates in the nation.