Texas adds to redistricting war deluge at Supreme Court

A leaked proposal from former President Donald Trump to extend ObamaCare subsidies has created significant challenges for GOP leaders on Capitol Hill, as they navigate the implications of this unexpected plan. The proposal is seen as a departure from the party's previous stance on health care reform, which has focused on dismantling the Affordable Care Act.

Dr. Ralph Abraham, a former Louisiana health official known for his critical stance on COVID-19 vaccines, has been appointed as the deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His appointment was not publicly announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), although it has been confirmed in internal records.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into a weightlifting competition where transgender athlete Jammie Booker initially secured a victory before being disqualified. The event has raised significant attention due to the participation of a trans athlete in a women's category.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has appointed Dr. Ralph Abraham, the Louisiana surgeon general, as its deputy director, marking a significant leadership change within the agency during a tumultuous year. This appointment reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize the CDC's leadership amid various public health challenges.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, invoking a new state law. This decision has sparked significant controversy, particularly as CAIR is the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the U.S.

A Republican senator has introduced a bill aimed at punishing any U.S. municipality that enforces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against officials of U.S. allies, specifically targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid tensions with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has pledged to enforce such a warrant if Netanyahu visits the city.

The Department of Justice has expressed support for Texas in its Supreme Court battle regarding a congressional map drawn by the state's Republican-led legislature, asserting that the map does not constitute an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. This backing comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny over the map's implications for minority voters.

Republicans and Democrats are heavily investing in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election, scheduled for December 2, as the GOP aims to maintain its House majority in a district that leans heavily Republican. The election has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of high-profile figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, along with substantial financial backing from both parties.