Jared Isaacman Confirmed as NASA Administrator, Becomes 15th Leader of U.S. Space Agency 
Union-Aligned Investors Question Amazon, Walmart and Alphabet on Trump Immigration Policies 
U.S. House Advances GOP Healthcare Bill as ACA Subsidies Near Expiration 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
Fernando Haddad Confirms He Will Not Run for Office in 2025, Signals Possible Exit as Brazil’s Finance Minister 
Barham Salih Elected as Next UN High Commissioner for Refugees 
Trump Signals Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks Ahead of U.S.–Russia Meeting 
Trump Signs Order to Ease Federal Marijuana Rules, Signaling Major Policy Shift 
Kennedy Center Reportedly Renamed Trump-Kennedy Center After Board Vote 
UN Warns Gaza Humanitarian Aid at Risk as Israel Registration Rules Threaten NGO Operations 
Republicans Raise National Security Concerns Over Intel’s Testing of China-Linked Chipmaking Tools 
Italy Supreme Court Upholds Salvini Acquittal in Migrant Kidnapping Case 
U.S.-Russia Talks in Miami Raise Hopes for Potential Ukraine War Deal 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Dan Bongino to Step Down as FBI Deputy Director After Brief, Controversial Tenure 
Syria, Kurds and U.S. Race to Show Progress on SDF Integration Deal 
Putin Signals Possible Peace or Continued War in Ukraine at Major Year-End Address 
President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest U.S. civilian honor, in a phone call Saturday. This marked the first time Biden, 82, presented the medal "with distinction" during his presidency. Originally planning to meet the pope in Rome, Biden canceled his trip to oversee the federal response to California wildfires.
A lifelong Catholic, Biden expressed deep regret over the cancellation but emphasized the importance of remaining in Washington. In their conversation, Biden praised Francis’ efforts to advance global peace and alleviate suffering in vulnerable communities.
Highlighting the pope’s lifelong service, Biden described him as “a loving pastor and challenging teacher” and referred to him as "the People's Pope." He commended Francis’ advocacy for peace and environmental protection and noted his groundbreaking role as the first Southern Hemisphere pope.
Francis, 88, has faced challenges, including ongoing global conflicts such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s actions against Hamas. Biden, who has diverged from Church doctrine on abortion rights, noted that Francis defended him from criticism by U.S. Catholic bishops.
The award recognizes individuals who contribute to U.S. values, world peace, or significant societal achievements. Recently, Biden honored Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, and chef José Andrés with the same medal.
Biden and Francis, both facing global and personal challenges, have used their leadership to champion peace and compassion during turbulent times.
