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    Karoline Leavitt Prepares For Second Child As White House Weighs Temporary Shift

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    1
    Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons


    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is expected to welcome her second child this week, adding a personal milestone to a tenure already defined by firsts. At 28, she is the youngest press secretary in U.S. history and the first known to serve in the role while pregnant.

    Her upcoming leave raises practical questions for the administration, including how long she plans to step away and how the White House will manage one of its most visible daily responsibilities in her absence.

    Unclear timeline for leave

    A White House official said it’s not yet clear how much time Leavitt will take off after the birth. Like other federal employees, she is generally entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Whether she uses the full period remains an open question.

    That uncertainty leaves the briefing schedule in a flexible position, with no firm timeline for her return to the podium.

    No interim press secretary planned

    Instead of naming a temporary replacement, the White House plans to rely on a rotating group of officials to handle press briefings. That group could include President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, an approach that would break from the more traditional model of a single, consistent spokesperson.

    The decision signals a willingness to experiment, but it also introduces the possibility of mixed messaging. Different officials bring different styles, and consistency has long been a priority in managing daily communication with the press.

    Family life in the public eye

    Leavitt first announced her pregnancy in December, sharing that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, were expecting a daughter. Their first child, Niko, was born in July 2024 and has already appeared in the briefing room during special events.

    In a social media post after Christmas, Leavitt said she was looking forward to becoming a “girl mom” and described the coming year as meaningful for her family. She also pointed to what she called a supportive, pro-family culture within the White House, crediting both President Trump and chief of staff Susie Wiles.

    Staying active on the job

    Leavitt continued her duties throughout the pregnancy, rarely stepping back from the demands of the role. That includes leading daily briefings and serving as a central voice for the administration during a busy stretch of domestic and international developments.

    Her tenure has also brought changes to the structure of the briefing room. Most notably, she introduced a designated space for “new media,” giving podcasters, independent journalists, and digital creators a more visible presence.

    She has often called on those voices early in briefings, a shift away from the traditional dominance of legacy outlets.

    A test for a changing briefing room

    Leavitt’s temporary absence could put that evolving setup to the test. With multiple officials rotating through the podium, the tone and priorities of briefings may shift from day to day.

    That variability may not matter much during quieter periods. But in moments that require clear, unified messaging, it could become more noticeable.

    Balancing public service and private life

    For now, the focus remains on a personal milestone. Even in a role tied closely to national politics and constant scrutiny, family life continues alongside the job.

    Leavitt’s situation underscores a familiar challenge in Washington: balancing the demands of public service with life outside the office. It’s not unique, but it’s rarely this visible.

    Her return, whenever it comes, will likely bring the operation back to a more familiar rhythm. Until then, the White House is preparing to adjust on the fly.

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    Tulsi Gabbard Shares Hopeful Update on Husband’s Rare Cancer Battle

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    Tulsi Gabbard via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard shared an emotional but hopeful update on her husband’s battle with an extraordinarily rare form of bone cancer, revealing that doctors believe they successfully removed all cancerous tissue during surgery.

    In a three-minute video posted to X, Gabbard opened up about the grueling operation and difficult recovery her husband, Abraham Williams, has endured since being diagnosed with sacral chordoma earlier this year.

    “A few weeks after the surgery was done, the pathologist and the doctors said that they are confident that they were able to cut out all of the cancerous bone and tissue,” Gabbard said, according to Fox News.

    Nearly three months after the operation, Williams is now participating in what Gabbard described as a “very rigorous physical therapy program.”

    “He gets frustrated a lot because he wants to be able to make progress faster, and sometimes he’s pushed a little bit too far, but overall, Abraham is progressing very well,” she said.

    Still, Gabbard cautioned that the couple’s ordeal is far from finished.

    “The reality is that the battle isn’t over yet,” she said.

    Williams will require frequent MRI scans to monitor whether the cancer returns in the same location or spreads elsewhere.

    Sacral chordoma is a slow-growing cancer that forms near the base of the spine. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately one in every million people worldwide is diagnosed with chordoma each year. Surgery is the preferred treatment when possible, but removing the entire tumor can be difficult because of its proximity to nerves, blood vessels and other critical tissue.

    Gabbard said Williams was given a choice between radiation and an invasive operation requiring surgeons to remove part of his sacrum and tailbone. The couple opted for surgery.

    The nearly eight-hour procedure was successful, but the immediate aftermath was harrowing.

    As Williams emerged from heavy anesthesia, his body reacted severely to the drugs. Gabbard recalled that he repeatedly insisted on trying to walk—with the assistance of nurses—even as he became sick.

    “He would take a few steps. He would throw up as he was trying to walk around, but he kept going,” she said.

    Williams also declined narcotic pain medication, forcing him to push through the intense postoperative pain with other forms of treatment, Gabbard said.

    The diagnosis prompted Gabbard to resign from President Donald Trump’s Cabinet in May so she could support her husband throughout his treatment. Her departure became effective June 30.

    “At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” Gabbard wrote in her resignation letter.

    In Thursday’s video, Gabbard thanked God, Williams’ medical team and the countless people who sent prayers and well wishes during the family’s ordeal.

    “We are so grateful to God for His unconditional love, for being our shelter, for being our peace and our strength,” she said.

    The deeply personal message ended with Williams stepping into view and wrapping his wife in a tight embrace.

    “Love you, darlin’,” he told her.

    “I love you,” Gabbard replied.

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    Sen. Mike Lee Says Most Republicans Don’t Know McConnell’s Condition

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    4
    Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

    WASHINGTON — Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) says most Republican senators have little or no firsthand knowledge of Sen. Mitch McConnell’s medical condition, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the Kentucky Republican as he remains hospitalized weeks after a serious medical emergency.

    Lee made the remarks when asked about McConnell’s prolonged absence from the Senate, saying rank-and-file lawmakers have received few details beyond the limited public statements released by McConnell’s office.

    ‘Most Of Us Don’t Know’

    Lee acknowledged that speculation has grown because so little official information has been released.

    His comments contrast with earlier remarks from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who previously said McConnell “sounded good” during a recent conversation. Lee indicated that most senators have not received similar updates and remain largely in the dark about their colleague’s condition.

    Office Continues To Release Limited Information

    McConnell’s office has consistently maintained that the 84-year-old senator is recovering and remains engaged with Senate business.

    In its latest public statement, spokesman David Popp said McConnell “continues to improve” and is working with staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while Congress is in recess. The office has not disclosed his diagnosis, prognosis, or expected discharge date.

    Medical Emergency Prompted Questions

    McConnell has not appeared publicly since June 14, when emergency responders were dispatched to his Washington residence.

    Emergency dispatch audio reviewed by multiple news organizations described an unconscious patient and referenced CPR in progress. McConnell’s office has not confirmed the specific medical event that led to his hospitalization.

    The absence of detailed updates has fueled intense online speculation, including unverified claims promoted by White House confidant Laura Loomer. McConnell’s office has offered no support for those assertions, saying only that the senator continues to improve.

    Questions Persist As Senate Recess Continues

    The Senate remains in recess until later this month, giving McConnell additional time to recover before lawmakers return to Washington.

    Whether he will be able to resume his duties when the Senate reconvenes remains unclear. McConnell previously announced he will not seek reelection and plans to retire when his current term expires in January 2027.

    For now, Lee’s comments highlight what many senators have acknowledged privately: beyond the brief statements released by McConnell’s aides, even many of his Republican colleagues say they know little about his current condition.

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    Mitch McConnell Returns To Senate, Casts First Vote Since June

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    Mitch McConnell via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) returned to the Capitol on Monday, casting his first Senate vote in more than three months after a fall at his Washington home left him hospitalized.

    The 84-year-old senator arrived in a wheelchair and briefly addressed reporters outside the Senate chamber.

    “Time to get back to work, finish the job of this Congress,” McConnell said, according to The Hill.

    McConnell then voted to advance the nomination of Matthew Byrne to serve as a federal judge for the Southern District of Ohio. The cloture motion passed 47-46, according to the official Senate roll call.

    His lengthy absence had fueled questions about his health and whether he would return before his term ends in January. McConnell acknowledged that his recovery has been difficult, saying he is “still not quite back to 100 percent” and continues to undergo physical therapy.

    The Kentucky Republican said the lingering effects of childhood polio have complicated his recovery, but he has assured Senate Majority Leader John Thune that he will try to attend closely contested votes when Republicans need him.

    McConnell also identified the farm bill, NATO and continued support for Ukraine as priorities during his remaining months in office. His return gives Senate Republicans another crucial vote as they attempt to move stalled legislation through closely divided committees.

    McConnell has served in the Senate since 1985 and is retiring when his current term concludes in January.

    Senate Votes To Confirm Health and Human Services Secretary

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    3
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    The U.S. Senate has confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) following weeks of debate over his nomination.

    Once again, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) stood alone as the only Republican to vote against President Trump’s nominee. McConnell opposed Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence (DNI).

    The confirmation process was marked by intense scrutiny of Kennedy’s record and policy positions. The Senate Finance Committee advanced his nomination last Tuesday with a narrow 14-13 vote.

    Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician and key swing vote, played a decisive role in moving Kennedy’s nomination forward. Cassidy, who has represented Louisiana in the Senate since 2014, broke with some in his party to support the nominee.

    The full Senate advanced Kennedy’s nomination on Wednesday following a successful cloture vote of 53 to 47.

    During his confirmation process, Kennedy worked to distance himself from past remarks that raised doubts about vaccine safety.

    Despite the controversy, he managed to secure enough backing from Republicans to push his nomination forward.

    As head of HHS, Kennedy will oversee federal health policy, including responses to public health crises, health care regulations and medical research funding. His tenure is expected to bring significant policy debates, particularly regarding vaccine policy, regulatory oversight and public health initiatives.

    With Kennedy now confirmed, all eyes will be on how he navigates key health policy challenges in the months ahead.

    This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

    Noem Hospitalized After Allergic Reaction; Biohazard Lab Visit Under Scrutiny

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    1
    Photo via Pixabay images

    On the evening of Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was rushed by ambulance to a Washington, D.C. hospital after suffering what officials described as an allergic reaction. According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Noem was treated “out of an abundance of caution” and remains in stable condition.

    The medical emergency drew swift attention — not only because of Noem’s high-profile cabinet role, but also due to the timing. Just one day earlier, she had visited the Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Maryland, a high-security federal lab that handles some of the world’s most dangerous pathogens, including Ebola and SARS-CoV-2. She was accompanied on the tour by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

    The Fort Detrick facility has been under scrutiny in recent months. In April, it was temporarily shut down following safety concerns involving possible tampering with personal protective equipment. Though the lab has since resumed operations, the incident left lingering questions about oversight and internal protocols.

    While the proximity of Noem’s hospital visit to her tour of the lab has sparked speculation, DHS downplayed any connection. Officials stressed there is no indication the allergic reaction had anything to do with the biohazard site, and current evidence points to coincidence, not causation.

    Still, the lack of detail surrounding Noem’s condition — and the decision to visit to a facility recently flagged for a safety lapse — has fueled speculation. Noem has not issued a public statement since the incident, though an official told the Associated Press that the secretary is “alert and recovering.”

    Security around the hospital was visibly heightened following Noem’s arrival, with multiple eyewitnesses reporting Secret Service personnel stationed at emergency entrances and perimeter points.

    As of now, Noem remains under medical supervision, and DHS has indicated she will resume duties once cleared by her doctors. The department has not disclosed whether additional tests are being conducted to rule out environmental or chemical triggers.

    What We Know — and Don’t

    The facts are straightforward, even if the full picture isn’t: Secretary Noem had an acute medical event. She had just visited a facility known for housing lethal biological agents. There’s no official link between the two events. But in an era when institutional trust runs thin and information gaps invite conspiracy theories, the sequence of events is likely to keep this story alive longer than a typical health scare.

    For now, DHS says Noem is recovering and expected to make a full recovery. But until more details emerge — from medical professionals or Noem herself — the story will likely remain a focus of intense public interest.

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    Trump Says White House Doctors Helped Save Congressman After ‘Terminal’ Diagnosis

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    President Donald Trump said Monday that White House physicians helped treat Rep. Neal Dunn, a Florida Republican, after the congressman received what Trump described as a “terminal” medical diagnosis — an episode Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson framed as a dramatic intervention that helped save Dunn’s life.

    The president and Johnson recounted the story during remarks at the White House, saying Dunn had continued working in Congress despite what they characterized as a dire prognosis.

    “He would be dead by June,” Trump told reporters, describing the severity of the diagnosis Dunn had reportedly received before receiving treatment.

    Johnson said the situation came to Trump’s attention after he informed the president about Dunn’s condition. According to Johnson, Trump quickly suggested involving White House medical staff to evaluate the congressman.

    “The man has a new lease on life. He acts like he’s 30 years younger,” Johnson said, describing Dunn’s recovery after treatment.

    Johnson explained that White House physicians helped coordinate care for the Florida lawmaker and arranged for him to receive treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the premier military hospital that frequently treats senior government officials and members of Congress.

    According to Johnson, Dunn underwent emergency surgery shortly after the White House doctors became involved.

    Trump praised the speed and professionalism of the medical team, calling the White House physicians “miracle workers.”

    “I said, I have to call them. And I called the two doctors. They’re both great. And they immediately went over to see the congressman, and he was on the operating table like two hours later,” Trump added.

    Dunn, who represents Florida’s 2nd Congressional District in the state’s Panhandle, is himself a physician. Before entering politics, he served as an Army surgeon and later worked in private medical practice. His medical background has often shaped his work in Congress, particularly on issues involving healthcare policy and veterans’ services.

    First elected in 2016, Dunn has served five terms in the House of Representatives and has been a reliable conservative vote on fiscal issues, national defense, and social policy.

    In January, Dunn announced that he would not seek reelection in 2026, signaling the end of his congressional career. At the time, he framed the decision as an opportunity to step away from Washington and spend more time with his family.

    “I want to pass the torch to new conservative leaders, return home to Panama City, and spend more precious time with my family and our beloved grandchildren,” Dunn said in a statement announcing his retirement.

    He also reflected on his legislative priorities during his time in Congress.

    “It has been my greatest honor to fight for lower taxes, our military and veterans, the unborn, healthcare innovation, and policies that empower Americans over bureaucracy and addressing threats from Communist China, Russia and others,” he added.

    Dunn’s departure comes during a cycle that is already seeing a significant number of lawmakers opt not to run again. As of mid-March, 60 House members have announced they will not seek reelection in the 2026 election cycle, according to the U.S. House of Representatives Press Gallery’s “Casualty List.”

    That total includes 23 Democrats and 37 Republicans.

    Several of those lawmakers are leaving to pursue other offices, including gubernatorial and U.S. Senate bids. Others are retiring outright after years in public service.

    Among Republicans, some departures have come through electoral defeat. Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas, for example, recently lost his primary race to state Rep. Steve Toth.

    While Dunn’s decision to retire was announced before the details of his health episode were publicly discussed, the account shared by Trump and Johnson Monday offered new insight into the medical crisis he faced earlier this year — and the role White House doctors played in coordinating the emergency treatment that both men say dramatically improved his outlook.

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    Media Buzzes Over Trump’s Appearance – But Health Remains Strong, White House Says

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    4
    Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

    President Donald Trump set off another round of social media speculation Friday after cameras caught what looked like copious amounts of makeup on his hand during public appearances in Washington.

    A patch of foundation, slightly lighter than his skin tone, was visible while he toured an exhibit at The People’s House museum. Later that day, during the World Cup 2026 draw event at The Kennedy Center, Trump kept one hand over the other while addressing the crowd — a move that didn’t go unnoticed by outlets like The Daily Beast, which pointed out the recurring appearance of cosmetic cover.

    This isn’t the first time similar images have made the rounds. Observers cited previous instances following Trump’s meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron in February, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

    Asked about the chatter, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed aside the tabloid-style coverage.

    “President Trump is a man of the people, and he meets more Americans and shakes more hands on a daily basis than any other president in history,” Leavitt told The Independent Saturday. “His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”

    The renewed scrutiny follows last month’s stir over photos showing discoloration and swelling in Trump’s legs during a FIFA Club World Cup appearance. The White House later confirmed the president has chronic venous insufficiency — a common circulatory condition in which blood pools in the veins due to weakened valves.

    According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition can lead to discomfort but is manageable. Leavitt said Trump isn’t in pain and hasn’t required treatment or changes to his daily routine.

    In April, White House physician Capt. Sean Barbabella declared the president in “excellent cognitive and physical health” after his annual checkup. He attributed bruising on Trump’s hands to aspirin therapy, a standard precaution for heart health.

    Leavitt emphasized that the president’s physician remains available to answer any medical questions and insisted, “There is nothing to hide.”

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    Fox News Anchor John Roberts Hospitalized

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0

    A stunning new health report.

    Fox News anchor John Roberts has revealed he’s been hospitalized after contracting what he described as a “severe case of malaria,” sidelining him from his weekday slot on America Reports.

    “I somehow came down with a severe case of malaria,” Roberts, 68, announced via X on Tuesday. “I can honestly say that I am the only person in the hospital with malaria. In fact, one of my doctors said I’m the first case he has ever seen.”

    His co-host seat alongside Sandra Smith has been filled by Trace Gallagher, he explained, thanking his replacement.

    Roberts, who previously covered the White House for Fox, thanked doctors at Inova Health in Virginia, as well as his colleagues for stepping in.

    Viewers, colleagues, and network contributors expressed shock at the news and offered their support, wishing the anchor a quick recovery.

    “Beth and I are praying for a swift recovery!!” North Carolina Rep. Mark Harris said.

    “Whoa! Feel better soon, John,” added Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel.

    Malaria was eliminated from the U.S. in 1951, according to the CDC. However, the country still sees about 2,000 malaria cases per year. There were, on average, nearly seven deaths per year between 2007 and 2022.

    Malaria cases in the U.S. are now mostly linked to international travel.

    Malaria is spread by mosquitoes. Cases in the U.S. were typically in people who traveled to or from countries where the disease is widespread. The CDC said locally acquired, mosquito-transmitted malaria is “rare” in the country.

    Malaria patients often reported having recently returned from Africa, the CDC said. Patients commonly reported visiting friends and family as their primary reason for travel.

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    White House Addresses Trump Health After Viral Photos Spark Speculation

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    3
    By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54581054338/, Public Domain,

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed concerns over President Donald Trump’s health during a briefing on Thursday after photographs of his hand appearing bruised and his ankles appearing swollen went viral.

    “I know that many in the media have been speculating about bruising on the president’s hand, and also swelling in the president’s legs. So in the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician with all of you today,” began Leavitt before reading from the note:

    In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs. In keeping with routine medical care and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House Medical Unit. The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.

    Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Laboratory testing included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation profile, D-dimer, B-type, natriotic, peptide, and cardiac biomarkers. All results were within normal limits. An echocardiogram was also performed, and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function. No signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness were identified.

    Additionally, recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand. This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking, and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy, and the president remains in excellent health.

    “Which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here,” added Leavitt. “So the president wanted me to share that note with all of you. I’m happy to take further questions on it. We will provide the memorandum from the president’s physician to all of you, as we always do.

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