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Israel At War: Quiet Streets, Men at the Front
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Biden speaks with Americans released by Hamas, says they will have ‘full support’ of government
President Biden on Friday spoke by phone with two Americans who were released by Hamas after being taken hostage during the recent terrorist attacks against Israel.
The White House said Biden spoke with Judith Raanan and her daughter, 18-year-old Natalie Raanan. He also spoke by phone with the family of the two women following their release.
“He relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.
Judith and Natalie Raanan were among the Americans taken hostage by Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, during terrorist attacks against Israel on Oct. 7 that left more than 1,400 Israelis dead. Thousands of Palestinians have been killed or injured during subsequent Israeli strikes on Gaza.
More than two dozen Americans have been killed in the conflict. There are 10 Americans who remain unaccounted for after Hamas’s initial attack, while the terror group is believed to be holding 200 people total hostage.
Biden said Qatar and Israel secured the release of the Americans on Friday, adding that U.S. officials “have been working around-the-clock to free American citizens who were taken hostage by Hamas, and we have not ceased our efforts to secure the release of those who are still being held.”
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GOP-backed Ohio education overhaul notches key win in ongoing lawsuit
A Republican-backed overhaul of Ohio’s public education system can continue operating as a lawsuit claiming it violates the state constitution makes its way through the courts, a county magistrate ruled Friday.
Indefinitely stalling the conversion of the Ohio Department of Education to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, which would shift educational oversight from a mostly citizen-elected state school board to the governor, would cause broader harm than letting it be implemented, Magistrate Jennifer Hunt, of the Franklin Common Pleas Court, said in a decision obtained by The Associated Press.
A county judge signed off on Hunt’s ruling later Friday afternoon, allowing it to officially go forward.
OHIO JUDGE PUTS MASSIVE GOP-BACKED EDUCATION OVERHAUL ON HOLD
The overhaul comes as GOP-led states in recent years have increasingly focused on education oversight, seeking to push back against what they see as a liberal tide in public education classrooms, libraries and sports fields. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has said the change will revamp a failing, disorganized system, but opponents fear giving more control to the governor’s office would result in partisan oversight over schools, not more accountability.
The lawsuit filed in September by parents and the Toledo School Board alleges that the new system Republican lawmakers created violates the Ohio Constitution on multiple grounds, including stripping the state board of most of its powers, which include setting academic standards and school curriculums.
The plaintiffs argue that disregards the intention of a 1953 state constitutional amendment that mandated the creation of the state board in order to give people more say than their governor in children’s education.
Hunt agreed the plaintiffs have grounds to sue but denied their request for a preliminary injunction to keep the new department from running while the courts hear the case.
In previous hearings, the plaintiffs argued they would be harmed by the new department’s shift in leadership from the school board to a governor-appointed director, citing reduced transparency under the new department and fear that they would no longer have the ears of individuals who can actually do something about concerns for their children’s education.
Hunt ruled the new department has systems in place to provide transparency, such as mandated stakeholder outreach, and school board members are still able to voice their constituents’ concerns to the new director even if they can’t directly act on them.
OHIO SENATE PASSES HIGHER EDUCATION DIVERSITY TRAINING CRACKDOWN
The plaintiffs also failed to prove that no third party would be harmed by the injunction, Hunt said. She agreed with DeWine’s administration that to block the new department from operating would cause “confusion, unrest and chaos for Ohio’s educational system.”
“I am thrilled that the restraining order has been dissolved and we can focus on the important work of moving forward to help our kids,” DeWine said in a statement Friday. He also announced that Jessica Voltolini, the former chief of staff of the previous state Education Department, will serve as the interim director of the new department while the search for a permanent director continues.
Legal counsel for the plaintiffs said in a statement that they still have grounds to sue and “remain confident that democracy and the Ohio constitution will ultimately prevail.”
A trial assignment hearing is scheduled for next September.
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Facing negative narrative, Tim Scott touts he’s got ‘more money than any candidate in the race’ except Trump
CONCORD, N.H. — Facing questions over the durability of his Republican campaign for president, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina insists “we’re actually great moving forward.”
The super PAC aligned with Scott earlier this week canceled its massive ad blitz on behalf of the senator’s 2024 campaign.
Trust In the Mission PAC, also known as “TIM PAC,” emphasized in a memo that “we aren’t going to waste our money when the electorate isn’t focused or ready” for an alternative to former President Donald Trump, the commanding front-runner for the GOP nomination.
And Scott’s campaign filed its July-September third quarter fundraising report, showing that it spent a lot more money than it raked in the past three months. The two developments, along with the senator’s flatlining in the polls in the crucial early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire and his home state, fed a negative narrative questioning Scott’s ability to win the GOP nomination.
NO MORE MR. NICE GUY? SCOTT LASHES OUT AT BIDEN, GOP RIVALS, OVER ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
“I’m OK,” Scott emphasized when asked by Fox News Digital if his presidential campaign was in trouble.
Scott, who took questions from reporters after filing at the Statehouse in Concord to place his name on the ballot in New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation Republican presidential primary, spotlighted “two really good pieces of news.”
“Number one — I don’t control my super PAC. That’s just really good news. I can’t tell you exactly what they’re thinking over there,” the senator said.
2024 WATCH: TIM SCOTT-ALIGNED SUPER PAC PULLS THE PLUG ON AD BLITZ
Pointing to the Israel-Hamas war, which has dominated news coverage the past two weeks, Scott noted that “breaking through in this current cycle of news focused right where it should be, on Israel, is very difficult. So, if you’re going to use your resources effectively, I’m glad that they’re making the decision to use those resources as we end this year hitting the first caucus and turning their attention to the first-in-the-nation primary.”
“Better news is that from a campaign account perspective, we still have more money than any candidate in the race save Donald Trump,” Scott touted. “And so our ability to continue to move forward from my campaign, which I do control, is very strong.”
Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate and a rising star in the GOP, entered the presidential race in the spring on high notes and with his campaign coffers stocked with over $20 million left over from his overwhelming re-election last November.
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But after dishing out roughly $14 million to run ads, Scott’s cash-on-hand was down to $13.3 million at the end of last month.
Scott’s poll numbers are also edging down in the early voting states — and he stood at just 1% in the most recent Fox News national survey of the Republican race.
Asked what he needs to do moving forward — with less than three months to go until the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses kick off the GOP nominating calendar — Scott pointed to retail politics, saying “the more time I spend talking to people, the better off we are.”
“I spent a disproportionate amount of my time doing my day job being in the Senate, and just recently spent more time on the road the past couple of weeks,” he explained. “I need to make sure that I continue to invest more time on the road to meet the voters and I think I’ll win them over.”
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Suggests Americans Must Be Ready to Import Palestinians
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Perry Johnson suspends presidential bid after failing to make debates
Long-shot Republican presidential candidate Perry Johnson dropped out of the race Friday, saying that he was not given the opportunity to share “his vision on the debate stage.”
“With no opportunity to share my vision on the debate stage, I have decided at this time suspending my campaign is the right thing to do,” Johnson wrote in a statement announcing his decision.
The Michigan businessman and quality control industry expert failed to qualify for the first two Republican presidential nomination debates, criticizing the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) polling and donor thresholds.
LONG-SHOT GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE PERRY JOHNSON CONSIDERING SENATE BID IN BATTLEGROUND MICHIGAN
“I must admit, the corruption among leaders at the RNC during this process was appalling,” Johnson said. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the people should decide the next President of the United States, not the head of the RNC and her cronies.”
Johnson, who launched his president campaign in March, said that his time campaigning gave him “a renewed sense of hope that America’s best days are ahead.”
“The extraordinary people I’ve met and befriended across the country, especially in lowa and New Hampshire, gives me a renewed sense of hope that America’s best days are ahead,” he added. “It was the honor of a lifetime to run for America’s highest office and having my family along for the ride was a blessing impossible to describe.”
PERRY JOHNSON DESCRIBES HIMSELF AS ‘TRUMP WITHOUT THE BAGGAGE’
In the release, Johnson noted that he is suspending his campaign rather than withdrawing. Since he is suspending his presidential bid, he will still be on the ballot in early races like New Hampshire and Iowa.
Johnson previously hinted that he may pivot to a Senate bid in Michigan.
“Obviously, it’s no secret that I’ve had a lot of calls to run for this seat because they do want to win this seat. But at this point in time, my focus is right on the presidential [race], and, believe me, that’s taking all my time and energy at this point,” Johnson previously said in a Fox News Digital interview in September.
“As you can imagine, I get inundated with calls because of the fact that Michigan has an open seat,” Johnson said. “It’s literally a seat that Republicans have not had in Michigan in a long time.”
Perry Johnson’s campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
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Nikki Haley warns Biden to ‘be smart’ following Hamas’ release of 2 American hostages; ‘don’t fall for it’
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley reiterated her support for Israel on Friday while also cautioning the Biden administration to “be smart” regarding Qatari mediation efforts that led to the release of two American hostages — a mother and daughter — by Hamas.
The hostages, identified as Judith and Natalie Raanan, were taken by Hamas from the Nahal Oz kibbutz in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip and released “on humanitarian grounds” following Qatari intervention.
“The second thing I’ll say to the Biden administration is don’t fall for it. This is you know, I have dealt with Qatar in terms of trying to get hostages or actually hostage bodies out of Gaza,” Haley told “America Reports” co-anchor Sandra Smith on Friday. “This is what they do. They’re trying to earn favor with the United States.”
LIVE UPDATES: ISRAEL AT WAR WITH HAMAS
At least 11 more Americans remain unaccounted for.
Haley said Hamas is worried about a potential Israeli ground operation and that “they’re going to throw two hostages out there for one to see if they can weaken us to keep Israel from going into Gaza,” said Haley, who was wearing a sweater with the phrase, “She Who Dares Wins.”
“Who Dares Wins” is the motto of the Sayeret Matkal, an elite Israeli paratrooper unit.
“This is a time to be smart. Go in smart,” Haley said. “Don’t let this weaken us. Don’t fall for it. We’ve got 200 more hostages in there. And don’t forget what happened on Oct. 7. They want everybody to forget. We can never forget. Israel needs to stay focused, determined, and America needs to have their back.”
Haley, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under former President Trump, has been steadfast in her support for Israel since the deadly attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas.
“Nikki proudly stands with Israel and its fight for peace,” Ken Farnaso, a spokesman for Haley, told Fox News Digital. “At the UN, she warned about Hamas and stood up for Israel — and she’ll do the same as president. We need a leader who will stand with Israel not only when it is hit, but also when it hits back.”
The Squad, a group of progressive House Democrats, continued calls Friday for a ceasefire, citing Israel’s bombardment of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The group has been heavily criticized for appearing to place the blame for the attacks on Israel.
“The squad acts like the terrorists,” Haley said. “Here they are, and they’re basically mimicking pro-Hamas comments. They refuse to acknowledge the bloodshed and the torture and the terrorists that have caused all of this.”
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New York judge fines Trump $5K for violating partial gag order in civil fraud trial
A New York judge fined former President Trump $5,000 for violating the partial gag order he imposed in the civil trial stemming from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation into the Trump family’s businesses, while warning the 2024 frontrunner that future violations could result in imprisonment.
Judge Arthur Engoron, earlier this month, imposed a partial gag order to prevent all parties from engaging in any verbal attacks against court staff after Trump criticized a member of the judge’s office on social media.
“On October 3, during a break in this trial, defendant Donald Trump posted to his social media account an untrue, disparaging, and personally identifying post about my Principal Law Clerk,” Engoron wrote in a filing Friday, adding that he ordered Trump to remove the post “immediately.”
The post in question was on Trump’s Truth Social account, and stated Engoron’s law clerk had a relationship with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. The post also contained a photo. Trump added that because of that, the case “should be dismissed immediately.”
“Approximately 10 minutes later, Donald Trump represented to me that he had taken down the offending post, and that he would not engage in similar behavior going forward,” Engoron wrote, adding that he then imposed the partial gag order, which emphasized that “personal attacks on members of my court staff are unacceptable, inappropriate, and I will not tolerate them under any circumstances.”
“Despite this clear order, last night I learned that the subject offending post was never removed from the website ‘DonaldJTrump.com,’ and, in fact, had been on that website for the past 17 days,” Engoron wrote. “I understand it was removed late last night, but only in response to an email from this Court.”
Engoron said lawyers for Trump stated that the violation of the gag order was “inadvertent and was an ‘unfortunate part of the process that is built into the campaign structure.’”
But Engoron said, either way, Trump “violated the gag order.”
“Donald Trump has received ample warning from this Court as to the possible repercussions of violating the gag order,” he wrote. “He specifically acknowledged that he understood and would abide by it.”
He added: “issuing yet another warning is not longer appropriate; this Court is way beyond the ‘warning; stage.”
JUDGE IMPOSES PARTIAL GAG ORDER AGAINST TRUMP IN SPECIAL COUNSEL JACK SMITH’S JAN 6 CASE
Engoron said that given Trump’s position that the violation was “inadvertent,” and even that it is the “first time” violation, the court will impose a “nominal fine” of $5,000.
“Make no mistake: future violations, whether intentional or unintentional, will subject the violator to far more severe sanctions, which may include, but are not limited to, steeper financial penalties, holding Donald Trump in contempt of court, and possibly imprisoning him pursuant to New York Judiciary Law.”
The trial comes after James, a Democrat, brought a lawsuit against Trump last year alleging he and his company misled banks and others about the value of his assets. James claimed Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric, as well as his associates and businesses, committed “numerous acts of fraud and misrepresentation” on their financial statements.
An appellate ruling from over the summer, which limited James from suing for alleged transactions that occurred before July 13, 2014, or Feb. 6, 2016, depending on the defendant, dismissed Ivanka Trump as a defendant.
Trump has blasted James for bringing the lawsuit; for the trial not having a jury; and Engoron, calling him “corrupt.”
“The Attorney General filed this case under a consumer protection statute that denies the right to a jury,” a Trump spokesperson said. “There was never an option to choose a jury trial. It is unfortunate that a jury won’t be able to hear how absurd the merits of this case are and conclude no wrongdoing ever happened.”
Engoron, last month, ruled that Trump and the Trump Organization committed fraud while building his real estate empire by deceiving banks, insurers and others by overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing financing.
Engoron’s ruling came after James sued Trump, his children and the Trump Organization, alleging that the former president “inflated his net worth by billions of dollars,” and said his children helped him to do so.
Meanwhile, a federal judge also imposed a partial gag order against Trump this week, blocking him from making statements targeting Special Counsel Jack Smith, his staff, witnesses and court personnel.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan of the District of Columbia, who is presiding over Smith’s case against the former president for charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, made the decision during a court hearing on Monday.
Chutkan said Monday that the former president is able to criticize the Justice Department in general terms and has the right to post his view that the case against him is politically motivated. However, the judge said Trump cannot post attacks against prosecutors or court staff.
“No other criminal defendant would be allowed to do so, and I’m not going to allow it in this case,” Chutkan said, adding that, if necessary, she would impose sanctions if Trump violates the partial gag order.
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Multiple House speaker candidates emerge after failed Jordan bid as GOP plans to reconvene Monday
House Republicans are starting from scratch to select a new candidate for speaker after Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, was voted out of the race.
At least eight people have emerged as potential candidates to lead the House immediately after a closed-door House GOP vote on whether to keep Jordan as speaker designate.
Republicans are expected to meet behind closed doors on Monday evening for a candidate forum before a conference-wide election via secret anonymous ballot on Tuesday.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS VOTE TO REMOVE JIM JORDAN AS SPEAKER NOMINEE
Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern, R-Okla., was one of the first GOP lawmakers to put his hat in the ring on Friday afternoon.
“We must unify and do it fast,” Hern said in a statement. “We need a different type of leader who has a proven track record of success, which is why I’m running for Speaker of the House.”
Retired Marine Corps General Jack Bergman, R-Mich., told Fox News Digital that he was also officially entering the race after fielding calls from “across the spectrum” of the GOP asking him to run. “I don’t leave the battlefield in the middle of the fight, and I make sure that everybody on my left and right on that battlefield is coalesced as a team to win the fight,” Bergman said in an interview.
JORDAN VOWS TO STAY IN SPEAKER’S RACE, SUGGESTS HOUSE MAY VOTE THROUGH WEEKEND
“I believe with my 40 years of experience, the highest level of leadership in the Marine Corps, my civilian experience…my dedication over my life to service and our country – not this country, our country – is the kind of leadership that the conservative movement needs.”
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., who was named by GOP lawmakers on the House floor during Jordan’s bid, is also running for speaker, his office told Fox News Digital.
Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., is also making calls to colleagues about a run for speaker, a source familiar with his plans told Fox News Digital.
Another source told Fox News Digital that another current member of leadership, GOP Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson, R-La., is also considering a run for speaker.
EFFORT TO EMPOWER INTERIM SPEAKER MCHENRY GAINS STEAM AS JORDAN MOMENTUM STALLS
Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., who challenged Jordan in the House Republicans’ last secret ballot race for speaker, is also back in the race, his spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Another lawmaker, Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, also announced his bid for speaker on Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, other lawmakers have suggested they are weighing whether to run. Republicans have until noon on Sunday to enter the race before Monday’s candidate forum.
Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, told reporters he was “seriously considering” a run for speaker.
“We’ve discussed it, and we were praying about it, and a number of members have asked us to consider it,” Arrington said, speaking to reporters while on the phone with his wife.
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