POLICY AND PUBLIC INTEREST
Sandy Di Angelis 27, Nov 3 mins
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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks to members of the press during his visit to the Dominican Republic's National Palace in Santo Domingo, Nov. 26, 2025. © Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aiko Bongolan, DOW
Two West Virginia Guardsmen critically injured as federal and local authorities move swiftly to reinforce security in the capital

Washington is set to receive a surge of additional security personnel after President Donald J. Trump directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to deploy 500 more National Guardsmen to the capital. The decision follows the shooting of two West Virginia National Guardsmen near the White House on Monday afternoon, an attack officials described as a deliberate act of violence targeting service members.

Hegseth announced the order from the steps of the Dominican Republic’s National Palace, where he had spent the afternoon in high-level meetings with senior government officials. He said he was notified of the incident immediately after those talks concluded.

According to Hegseth, the two guardsmen were “critically wounded by a shooter” in what he called a “cowardly, dastardly act targeting the best of America.” He emphasized that the attack would not deter federal efforts to stabilize the city. “It will not stand, and that’s why President Trump has asked me, and I will ask the Secretary of the Army to the National Guard to add 500 additional troops — National Guardsmen — to Washington, D.C.,” he said.

At a separate press conference, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the two victims were West Virginia National Guardsmen stationed near the White House. Both were transported to a nearby hospital and remain in critical condition. D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll added that a suspect is in custody and was also taken to a hospital after sustaining injuries.

Hegseth praised the two wounded guardsmen during his remarks in the Dominican Republic, describing them as “heroes willing to serve in Washington to protect people they do not know and have never met.” He highlighted their…

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Patrick Rogers on Why M&A Grows Companies Faster Than Traditional Methods
For nearly two decades, Patrick Rogers has been proving a thesis that challenges conventional wisdom:
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How Everyday Banking Habits Influence Your Financial Future
Have you ever wondered how your small daily banking choices shape your financial future? Many
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Treasury Under Secretary John K. Hurley Embarks on Diplomatic Mission to Strengthen Sanctions Enforcement Against Iran
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U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley will travel to Europe and the Middle East to advance President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran and reinforce international efforts to restrict terrorist groups from accessing the global financial system.

During…

Trump Administration Advances Key Milestones in New York Penn Station Transformation
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced new progress this week on the Trump Administration’s ambitious overhaul of New York Penn Station, with Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy confirming that the project has reached three key milestones and remains on track to break ground by late 2027….

Secretary Bessent and Japan’s Finance Minister Katayama Chart a Path for a New Economic Era
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In a pivotal meeting in Tokyo, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reaffirmed the enduring strength of the U.S.–Japan alliance and outlined a shared vision for sustained growth amid evolving global economic conditions.

Secretary Bessent emphasized Washington’s…

U.S. Department of Energy Issues Emergency Order to Ensure Reliable Power for Millions This Winter
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U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has issued an emergency order under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. This directive ensures that millions of Americans will have uninterrupted access to reliable, affordable, and secure energy during the colder months ahead.

The order allows…

From Barracks to Briefs: Enlisted Marines Transition to Legal Careers Through New Program
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Marine Corps 2nd Lt. William Hardwick has been recognized as one of the first candidates selected for the prestigious Enlisted to Judge Advocate Program, a new initiative designed to provide enlisted Marines with a pathway to becoming legal professionals within the Marine Corps.

Before…

2 mins
The freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita departs Naval Station Mayport, Fla., to support U.S. Northern Command's southern border operations, Nov. 14, 2025. © Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon J. Vinson
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Navy’s USS Wichita departs Mayport to strengthen Northcom’s maritime security operations along the southern border

The freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita has departed Naval Station Mayport, Florida, to begin supporting U.S. Northern Command’s southern border operations, replacing the USS St. Louis as the Navy’s lead maritime asset in the region.

The transition, effective November 14, marks a continuation of Navy support to Northcom’s ongoing collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security to reinforce U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border. Wichita will conduct operations similar to those carried out by the St. Louis, focusing on enhancing maritime interdiction and bolstering surveillance efforts across the Gulf of America.

To support these missions, Navy vessels deployed under Northcom operate with embarked Coast Guard law enforcement detachments, enabling interdiction of illicit trafficking and other illegal activities at sea. During its deployment, the USS St. Louis worked closely with the “Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 Detachment 5 and Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 408 to conduct patrols and maritime security operations.

“USS Wichita stands ready to relieve St. Louis as the leading edge for Northcom’s homeland defense mission,” said Cmdr. Travis Snover, commanding officer of the Wichita. “We will carry on the…

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FLEOA urges Congress to complete FY 2026 appropriations before the January 30 deadline to prevent another shutdown affecting federal law enforcement operations

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) noted the passage of the continuing resolution and three regular appropriations bills that reopened the federal government after the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The legislative action restores funding for essential services and allows federal law enforcement professionals to return to full duty with pay. However, the Association cautions that another funding crisis looms on January 30, 2026, unless Congress continues bipartisan efforts to enact the remaining FY 2026 appropriations.

“FLEOA appreciates the Congressional cooperation that led to the reopening of the federal government,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of FLEOA. “We now urge Congress to act swiftly and collaboratively to enact a full-year appropriations measure well before the January 30 deadline, thereby avoiding another lapse in funding. Our nation’s law enforcement officers, and the citizens they protect, deserve the stability and predictability that only a complete budget can provide.”

During government shutdowns, most federal law enforcement officers are required to report for duty without pay as essential personnel, while support and administrative staff are often furloughed. According to FLEOA, this dynamic places financial strain on officers and their families, disrupts…

Federal Reserve Seeks Public Input on Enhancing Transparency of Stress Tests
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The Federal Reserve Board is inviting comments on new proposals aimed at increasing the transparency and public accountability of its annual stress tests. This initiative comes as part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to ensure that large banks are adequately capitalized and can continue lending to households…

Strengthening Ties: U.S.-Japan Alliance at the Forefront of New Challenges
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In a significant diplomatic engagement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu to reaffirm the long-standing partnership between Japan and the United States. The meeting, marked by warm exchanges and mutual respect, highlighted the importance of collaboration in facing modern global…

U.S. Delivers Urgent Humanitarian Aid to Vulnerable Minority Communities in Southern Syria
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The United States has announced a new humanitarian assistance initiative to support Druze, Christian, and Bedouin communities in Southern Syria’s Suwayda province — regions that continue to experience the fallout of years of conflict, displacement, and economic collapse.

According to the State Department, the…

Rubio Says U.S. Peace Effort in Gaza ‘Ahead of Schedule,’ Warns Against Israeli Annexation Moves
The Ritz Herald

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to the press on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews before departing for the Middle East. His remarks were focused on the ongoing peace efforts in Israel and the importance of maintaining the current ceasefire.

Rubio confirmed that…

National Grocers Association Urges Congress to Quickly Reopen Government, Protect SNAP and WIC Funding
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As the federal government shutdown threatens to disrupt critical nutrition programs, the National Grocers Association (NGA) is calling on congressional leaders to immediately restore government operations and ensure uninterrupted funding for SNAP and WIC.

Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of NGA…

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Statue of Albert Gallatin in front of the Treasury Building. © Thuan Vo
New sanctions target individuals channeling tens of millions from Iran to Hizballah through covert business dealings and financial exchanges=
By / Associate Writer
  • Ossama Jaber (Arabic: اسامة جابر), a Lebanese national born January 25, 1972, in Mayfadoun, Nabatieh.
  • Samer Kasbar (Arabic: سامر كسبار),…

    The United States has imposed sanctions on multiple individuals involved in funneling tens of millions of dollars from Iran to Hizballah. These operatives collaborate with regional businessmen and currency exchanges to enable large-scale financial transfers and sustain the terrorist organization’s funding operations.

    According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, these individuals play a key role in Iran’s covert financing network. The funds are used to support Hizballah’s global operations, strengthen its influence across the Middle East, and undermine Lebanon’s economic and political sovereignty.

    This action forms part of the United States’ ongoing campaign of maximum pressure against Iran and its proxies, as outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 issued on February 4. The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting illicit financial flows that fuel terrorism and destabilize regional security.

    “By enabling Hizballah, Iran holds Lebanon back and undermines its sovereignty,” a State Department spokesperson said. “Iran and Hizballah cannot be allowed to keep Lebanon captive any longer.”

    The sanctions, issued under Executive Order 13224, as amended, specifically target terrorists and those providing material support to them. Hizballah was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization in 2001 and as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 1997.

    Individuals Added to the OFAC SDN List

    • Ossama Jaber (Arabic: اسامة جابر), a Lebanese national born January 25, 1972, in Mayfadoun, Nabatieh.
    • Samer Kasbar (Arabic: سامر كسبار),…

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As New York embraces its youngest and most progressive mayor, while nearby New Jersey reaffirms centrist stability under Mikie Sherrill, two victories revealing how voters envision leadership in 2025

New Yorkers woke up to a political milestone this week as Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani claimed victory in the city’s mayoral race, becoming both the youngest and first Muslim person ever elected to lead the five boroughs. Across the Hudson, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey governorship on a platform of stability, fiscal discipline, and pragmatic leadership. Together, the neighboring states’ results tell a larger story about how Democrats are redefining power and priorities in 2025.

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