Welcome to LA News Center’s Politics newsletter, bringing you the latest political news from Washington D.C. and updates from the 2024 campaign trail.
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What’s Happening?
- More big names revealed in Epstein court docs
- LA News Center hosts town hall with DeSantis in Iowa
- Gov. Newsom declares special election to replace Kevin McCarthy
Secretary of Defense on the defense
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had everyone in the dark about his health when he went into the ICU on Jan. 1. The news only came out days later, while Austin was still in intensive care. It turns out, Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer, another detail kept from the White House. What was initially described as an elective procedure was actually a prostatectomy that led to complications.
The White House admitted that the whole situation was less than ideal, with the president not being aware of his own secretary of defense’s medical condition. However, despite criticism, the White House is standing by Austin.
The Pentagon explained that Austin’s chief of staff was sick with the flu, which caused a breakdown in communication. Nonetheless, there are growing calls for Austin’s removal.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin remains hospitalized a week after suffering severe pain following an elective procedure. (Ian Waldie/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The White House
BILLABLE HOURS: Top Trump prosecutor met with Biden WH twice as he worked to investigate former president…
‘EMPTY WORDS’: Biden kowtows to protester ‘passion,’ says he’s working to reduce Israeli presence in Gaza…
‘UH, NO’: Washington Post upset with Lloyd Austin over mysterious absence…
‘A HUGE WIN’: Biden’s war on appliances dealt major blow by federal appeals court…
Capitol Hill
ANOTHER ONE DOWN: Brother of Mike Pence becomes latest House Republican to retire after 2024…
‘SENSATIONALIZED ALLEGATIONS’: Menendez defends himself against mounting federal bribery charges…
Tales from the Campaign Trail
‘NOT DONE FIGHTING’: Veteran Air Force pilot joins race for Congress, says moment ‘too important’ for career politicians…
POWER RANKINGS: LA News Center Power Rankings: What each candidate must do to make the GOP primary competitive…
BLAME BIDEN: Trump attorney: Biden ‘prosecuting his number one political opponent’ through Jack Smith at immunity hearing…
TAKING NO CHANCES: Trump ramps up in Iowa as presidential caucuses approach…
Across America
CHECKLIST 2024: Arizona governor declares top priorities for 2024…
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Top Trump prosecutor, Georgia DA alleged to be in ‘improper’ romantic relationship: New court filing…
ASKED AND ANSWERED: Clinton library trolled after people guessed ex-POTUS sent first email to Epstein…
