Supreme Court asks centre to assess ground situation on menstrual hygiene in schools
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to clarify the the aspects highlighted by the petitioner relating to ground situation on menstrual hygiene in schools before implementing the policy.
The 6 Republican senators who could sink a Trump nomination
President-elect Trump is rounding out his administration with cabinet nominations, but their confirmation ultimately relies on support from linchpins in the Senate who could be skeptical of his appointees. While the incoming president has the power to appoint members to his Cabinet, it is ultimately up to Congress to have the final say in whether they are confirmed to the positions through a confirmation process. While the GOP will hold the majority in the next Congress, however, Senate confirmation could hang on a few key Republicans who have expressed mixed feelings about Trump’s cabinet selections. Longtime Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has had a rocky relationship with Trump over the years, most recently releasing a new book that revealed his not-so-flattering thoughts about the president-elect. According to the book, the Senate minority leader has reportedly slammed Trump as “stupid,” “erratic,” a “despicable human being” and a “narcissist.” “I can’t think of anybody I’d rather be criticized by than this sleazeball,” he said in 2022, as Trump continued to attack his wife, former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, calling her “Coco Chow.” After the book’s release, McConnell told Fox News Digital that “we are all on the same team now.” Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said that she is not certain former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Trump’s controversial attorney general nominee, will make it through the confirmation process. “I don’t think it’s a serious nomination for the attorney general,” the Alaska Republican said. “We need to have a serious attorney general. And I’m looking forward to the opportunity to consider somebody that is serious. This one was not on my bingo card.” Murkowski also expressed surprise to hear of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth’s nomination to secretary of defense. “Wow,” Murkowski said. “I’m just surprised, because the names that I’ve heard for secretary of defense have not included him.” Susan Collins, the Republican senator from Maine, said she was “shocked that he [Gaetz] has been nominated.” “He’s under investigation by the House Committee on Ethics. Obviously, the president has the right to nominate whomever he wishes, but this is why the background checks that are done by the FBI and the advice and consent process in the Senate, and public hearings are also important,” she said. Gaetz was under a yearslong ethics investigation in the House looking into reports of alleged sexual involvement with a minor, illicit drug use and accepting improper gifts. After Gaetz was nominated, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said that despite a history of sparring with the attorney general nominee on social media, he would go through the confirmation process the same as any other pick. However, Tillis said that the president should select nominees who can pass the chamber’s vetting process. “The president deserves to put forth a nominee. The president has an obligation to make sure that that nominee is gonna pass vetting and have the votes on the floor,” the North Carolina Republican told reporters after Gaetz was nominated. Tillis, however, suggested that the public should not be shocked if the former Florida congressman is not confirmed. “I will consider Matt Gaetz like I will anyone else, but if they don’t do the homework, don’t be surprised if they fail. Maybe they’ve already done that work,” he added. “Nothing surprises me in politics, nothing. And I’m okay with this. But at the end of the day we have a process, and we’ll just have to run through it.” Tillis added that he cares about “a defensible résumé, and a really clean vetting. Produce that he’s got a chance, don’t, and he doesn’t.” Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., who did not publicly support Trump for the Republican presidential nomination this year, could be another deciding vote on cabinet confirmations. The GOP senator previously told reporters he would not be supporting Trump’s 2024 presidential run partly because the former president’s “judgment is wrong” on the Russia-Ukraine war. Asked about Gaetz’s nomination, he did not respond and instead began praising Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as Trump’s Secretary of State pick. Utah Republican John Curtis, recently elected to fill the being left by retiring Sen. Mitt Romney, said that he believes the Senate should have the final say in whether a Trump nominee is confirmed or not. “Senator-elect Curtis believes that every president is afforded a degree of deference to select his team and make nominations,” Corey Norman, Curtis’ chief of staff, told KSL TV in a statement. “He also firmly believes in and is committed to the Senate’s critical role to confirm or reject nominations.” Other senators have voiced uncertainty about Gaetz’s chances of being confirmed. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said that Gaetz has got an “uphill climb” ahead of him, while Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said, according to The New York Times, that “I think all but Gaetz are very doable — maybe not lovable, but doable.”
Uttar Pradesh: 7 people, including newly-wed couple, die after car collides with auto in Bijnor
Six people of the same family travelling in the tempo were killed on the spot while its driver Ajab Singh died on the way to a hospital, the SP said. Two persons who were moving in the car have been injured.
ISRO to launch GSAT-20 communications satellite using Elon Musk’s SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on…
The GSAT-20, a 4,700 kg satellite, exceeds the weight capacity of India’s indigenous rockets, making SpaceX the natural choice for the mission
Jhansi hospital fire: Congress demands probe, strict action against those guilty of negligence
District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar told reporters that the fire broke out around 10.45 pm on Friday in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College possibly due to an electrical short circuit.
Maharashtra people want our government to be in power: PM Modi hails Mahayuti, slams MVA
PM Modi also praised the tireless efforts of BJP workers, acknowledging their hard work in the run-up to the elections.
Thune ‘adamant’ about Trump support, driving MAGA agenda despite tense past relationship
Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., was “adamant” he would carry out President-elect Trump’s agenda as leader as he made his case to GOP senators before they selected him to succeed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Wednesday. “I will just say that Sen. Thune said over and over and over and over in this long meeting that he was 100% behind President Trump — 100% behind his agenda,” said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. “He was adamant about it.” TOP GOP SENATORS WARN DOJ TO PRESERVE JACK SMITH DOCS IN TRUMP CASES, CITING ‘PAST DESTRUCTION’ OF RECORDS Hawley noted that he did not vote for Thune, instead publicly endorsing Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. “But I will hold him to that pledge,” Hawley said of Thune. The incoming Republican Senate majority leader’s insistence to his conference that he would be a force for Trump’s agenda in the upper chamber came as an air of concern existed in Washington, D.C., regarding whether Thune and the president-elect had truly mended their previously fractured relationship. But Republicans of all stripes expressed degrees of confidence in him to do so after the leadership elections. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., an ally of Trump who publicly backed Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., to be the next Republican leader, told Fox News Digital, “I think it’s very clear that this is going to be a conference for all of us. He’s going to do this by consensus with us.” THUNE SAYS TRUMP’S BORDER PLAN IS 1ST UP IN RIGOROUS PRIORITY LIST FOR NEW CONGRESS: ‘REAL WORK BEGINS’ Sen.-elect Jim Banks, R-Ind., another top Trump ally, emphasized, “Sen. Thune is very supportive of President Trump and his agenda. And, most importantly, the Senate majority is too. So, I’m very optimistic.” One of Thune’s top advocates in the leader race was an early endorser, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who also happens to be close to Trump. “I know President Trump, and I know Thune has personally — they have visited multiple times,” he told reporters after Thune won the election. “They are at a good place with each other. There’s no rift between them,” Mullin said, adding the two were on “the same page. “I have no concerns about their relationship at all.” MATT GAETZ FACES GOP SENATE OPPOSITION AFTER TRUMP SELECTION FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL Trump never publicly weighed in on the GOP leader race despite a number of vocal figures in his orbit choosing to get behind Scott, who was considered by some to be more aligned with Trump’s “MAGA” ideology. Billionaire and X owner Elon Musk, who Trump has said will be a part of his administration, had endorsed Scott and criticized Thune, claiming he was the candidate Democrats were supporting. While Trump didn’t issue an endorsement, it didn’t stop observers from speculating he was supporting Scott for the role. However, Trump might have actually been backing Thune in private. Two sources familiar with the situation, including a senator in the room during the leader election, told Fox News Digital that National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chair Steve Daines, R-Mont., insinuated ahead of the elections that Trump may have been privately backing Thune. THUNE WINS SECRET BALLOT TO BECOME NEW SENATE GOP LEADER, SUCCEEDING MCCONNELL Daines gave one of the nominating speeches for Thune before the secret ballot vote Wednesday. When initially contacted regarding the claims, Daines’ office told Fox News Digital he told his Republican colleagues, “Trump likes Thune.” After publication, Daines’ deputy communications director, Rachel Dumke, denied the senator suggested Trump had been backing Thune. “This anonymously sourced story is false. Sen. Daines told his colleagues that President Trump likes Sen. Thune, but he never said he endorsed him. If President Trump endorsed in that race, everybody would have known about it,” she said in a statement. Similar criticisms to Musk’s were lobbed on social media, in addition to claims Thune would replicate the leadership McConnell showcased during his tenure. But Mullin argued against these suggestions. “His leadership is very different,” he said. “I mean, Thune is someone that involves the conference before he makes a decision.” According to the Oklahoma Republican, Thune will be involved in engaging the conference like a team and making decisions like a “play call.” “Not everybody may agree with the play call,” he warned, “but the majority of the Republicans will be on board before we make a decision to move forward.” Thune’s office declined to comment to Fox News Digital.
One-time GOP rising star reveals how she will work with Trump admin after victory in key race
CONCORD, N.H. – Thanks to her convincing gubernatorial election victory last week in New Hampshire, Kelly Ayotte’s national profile is once again on the rise. But Ayotte, who, other than President-elect Trump, was arguably the biggest Republican winner on Election Night, is keeping her focus on her home state. “I see one role for me and that is every day, to wake up and to be the champion for the people of New Hampshire,” the governor-elect said in a Fox News Digital interview at her transition office this week in the state’s capital city. And Ayotte, who last week defeated Democratic gubernatorial nominee and former Manchester, New Hampshire mayor Joyce Craig by an unexpected nearly 10-point margin, emphasized that she plans “to focus on the economic issues, education, mental health, and housing,” when she is inaugurated in early January. REPUBLICANS HOLD ON TO THE MOST HIGHLY CONTEST GUBERNATORIAL SEAT THIS YEAR Ayotte, a former state attorney general, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010 and was a rising star in the GOP and regarded as a leader on national security and foreign policy. But Ayotte lost re-election in 2016 by a razor-thin margin of just over 1,000 votes at the hands of then-Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan. “It was a privilege to represent New Hampshire in the United States Senate, but I’ve been elected governor of the state of New Hampshire and everyday I’m just going to wake up and say ‘what can I do for New Hampshire today,’” Ayotte said when asked about any emerging new role as a leader in the GOP. VANCE IN ‘CATBIRD SEAT,’ BUT THESE OTHER REPUBLICANS MAY ALSO RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2028 Ayotte launched her gubernatorial bid last year after popular Republican Gov. Chris Sununu announced that he wouldn’t seek re-election in 2024. Sununu, a well-known figure in national politics, endorsed Ayotte in early August ahead of her easy victory in September’s GOP gubernatorial primary. The governor often joined Ayotte on the campaign trail in the late summer and autumn, and Ayotte highlighted that she planned to continue the Sununu agenda. “I think Gov. Sununu has done an excellent job for the state of New Hampshire. We’re leading the nation in so many metrics,” she told Fox News. But she added that “the thing that I love most about Gov. Sununu is the passion, the positive enthusiasm that he brings for this state. He loves this state. He’s so proud of New Hampshire. And I’m going to bring that same attitude as governor, really being a champion for the people of New Hampshire.” “Obviously, we are different people, but I share his philosophy on the economic prosperity of the state and the emphasis on personal and economic freedom,” Ayotte emphasized. HERE ARE THE DEMOCRATS WHO MAY RUN FOR THE WHITE HOUSE IN 2028 When it comes to former and future President Trump, Ayotte said “I look forward to working with the Trump administration on behalf of the people of New Hampshire, whether its roads, whether its bridges, whether its areas where we can strengthen our public safety. I think there are so many opportunities where we should be working together, and I’m going to advocate for the people of this state.” Ayotte said her years serving in Washington will come in handy as she takes over in the Granite State’s governor’s office. “Having the experience of having served in Washington, I certainly will fight hard for New Hampshire when it comes to interacting with the Trump administration,” she said. “Those federal dollars – making sure that they come to New Hampshire. But also, when Washington does things on the regulatory front, I want to make sure that New Hampshire’s voice is at that table.” Ayotte famously broke with then-GOP presidential nominee Trump just ahead of the 2016 election. She withdrew her support for Trump over the “Access Hollywood” controversy, in which Trump, in a years-old video, made extremely crude comments about grabbing women without their consent. “I cannot and will not support a candidate for president who brags about degrading and assaulting women,” Ayotte said at the time. While they both lost in New Hampshire, Ayotte slightly outperformed Trump in the state as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton edged the White House winner by less than 3,000 votes. Before heading back full time to New Hampshire, Ayotte stuck around Washington briefly after the end of her term, shepherding then-Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch (Trump’s first high court nominee) through his successful Senate confirmation process. As she ran for governor the past two years in a state where New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary repeatedly drew Trump and other GOP White House hopefuls, Ayotte kept her distance from the national political conversation. She stayed neutral in New Hampshire’s presidential primary, but did endorse Trump after he locked up the nomination. She didn’t appear with Trump’s running mate – now Vice President-elect JD Vance – when the senator from Ohio made a last-minute stop in the Granite State a couple of days before Election Day. But Ayotte told Fox News “I want to congratulate President Trump, obviously, on a very strong victory on Election Day.” Asked about some of the president-elect’s controversial cabinet nomination announcements this week, Ayotte said that “it’s important that he’s putting together a team that works for him.” But the former senator emphasized that “this is really a decision for the United States Senate. They have an important role when it comes to advise and consent. I’m sure they’ll look carefully at President Trump’s nominees and make sure that they believe that they’re qualified.” Ayotte, in the GOP gubernatorial primary, easily defeated former New Hampshire Senate president Chuck Morse, who touted his support for Trump and questioned Ayotte’s loyalty to the former president. Morse’s hope that he would land a Trump endorsement never materialized, as the former president stayed neutral. Also helping Ayotte as she ran for governor – a helping hand from the Republican Governors Association, which dished out nearly
Arizona state Senate candidate John McLean killed in suspected DUI crash: ‘True public servant’
A Democratic candidate for a seat in the Arizona Senate was killed in an early morning DUI crash in Tucson on Friday, police confirmed. John McLean, 68, died after Michael Martin Creel, 27, allegedly ran a stop sign and struck his vehicle, according to the Tucson Police Department. Creel is being held at the Pima County Jail on manslaughter and aggravated DUI charges. McLean died at the scene, and police determined that speed and impairment were known factors in the fatal crash. According to court documents obtained by local outlet 13 News, Creel had a DUI case against him dismissed in December 2023. GOP INCUMBENT PROJECTED TO DEFEAT DEM CHALLENGER IN CLOSELY WATCHED ARIZONA HOUSE RACE The Arizona Senate Democrats also confirmed McLean’s passing. “We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of LD17 Senate Candidate John McLean. He spent his final days fighting for a better Arizona and we could not be more thankful for his work and dedication to our great state,” the group posted in a statement on X. “We extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family and loved ones.” McLean was running against Republican Vince Leach for the District 17 seat in the Arizona Senate. Leach also released a statement and sent his condolences to McLean’s family and friends. “My thoughts and prayers are with the McLean family for their tragic loss today,” Leach said. “John was a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate. My deepest condolences go out to John’s family and friends in this most difficult time.” 5 KILLED IN ARIZONA WHEN SMALL PLANE CRASHES INTO CAR WHILE TAKING OFF Leach was leading McLean by more than 3,000 votes when election results were announced on Friday afternoon. McLean, who was running for office for the first time, had conceded the race less than 24 hours before the crash. “It has been an honor and a privilege to run as the Democratic candidate for the LD17 Senate seat. While the outcome isn’t what we hoped for, I am proud of the work that so many people put into our campaign,” McLean wrote in part on his campaign Facebook page. ESTIMATED 500,000-PLUS BALLOTS STILL UNCOUNTED IN ARIZONA: ‘ELECTIONS DO NOT END ON ELECTION DAY’ State Sen. Mitzi Epstein offered her condolences in a statement after saying she had just spoken to McLean on Monday. “I just spoke with John Monday this week. His optimism about Arizonans never wavered. He stepped up to do a volunteer job that required long hours every day, and he brought a smile and thoughtful words to every door. My heart is with his family,” Epstein wrote in a post on X. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs also paid tribute to McLean and said he was a “true public servant,” calling his death a “tragic loss.” “John was a true public servant who cared deeply about Arizona. He always wanted to do what was best for his community, and he will be remembered for that. This is a tragic loss, and my heart breaks for his family and loved ones. Sending all my love to those who knew him,” Hobbs wrote in a post on X. Police said that the investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.
New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer says ‘we need to stand up to Trump’ in video announcing run for governor
Democrat New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who announced on Friday that he is running for governor in 2025, suggested the need to “stand up to” President-elect Donald Trump following the “horrible” election outcome. Gottheimer, who entered into a crowded Democratic field for New Jersey governor, said that Trump’s win was a “terrible loss for America.” “Let’s pause for a minute, the election outcome was a horrible loss for America. Every candidate running for governor agrees,” he said on Friday at a diner in South Hackensack. “We need to stand up to Trump,” he said. HOCHUL SPURS BIPARTISAN OUTRAGE OVER MASSIVE TOLL REBOOT, AS DEMS WORRY TRUMP WILL BLOCK IT Gottheimer pointed to Trump’s stance on abortion, the environment and gun safety as “major issues” with the president-elect. “On the major issues from healthcare to the environment to gun safety, every candidate shares the same goals, and on the issue of abortion rights, we will all stand up to Trump and his extremist attacks on women’s health care,” he said. “We must reinstate Roe.” After promising to “stand up” to Trump, the representative of New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District stated his main priority as governor would be lowering costs for New Jersey residents. “But there is one more issue that defines who I am, and what I’ll fight for,” he said. “Jersey is now the fourth most expensive state in the entire nation to live in, and unlike everyone else in this race, I’m focused like a laser beam on the need to lower your taxes and lower your costs.” HOMAN SCOFFS AT HOCHUL’S SUDDEN OUTRAGE OVER VIOLENT MIGRANTS Gottheimer joins a slew of Democratic candidates, including former state Sen. Stephen Sweeney, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, in the state’s gubernatorial race. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The Republican nominees so far include former gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state Sen. Ed Durr, talk radio host Bill Spadea, and candidates Robert Canfield, Jim Fazzone, Hans Herberg and Robert Bacon.