The conversation revolves around the unexpected selection of an American Pope, with Matt Gagnon explaining the rarity of such a choice due to America’s global influence. He mentions following a Twitter account, “Pope Predictor,” which uses an algorithm to evaluate cardinals’ “poppability” based on factors like age, geographical origin, and positions held. Despite the algorithm not initially predicting an American Pope, it identified Cardinal Prevost as a top contender. Prevost, known for his centrist views, was eventually chosen as the new Pope. The discussion also touches on the algorithm’s creator’s anonymity and growing popularity.
They gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday — former presidents, vice presidents, sworn political foes and newfound friends — in a show of respect and remembrance for Dick Cheney, the consequential and polarizing vice president who became an acidic scold of President Donald Trump.
Melania Trump and Usha Vance took their first trip together, spending time in North Carolina on Wednesday with service members and their families to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice as the holidays approach.
Members of the Sackler family who own OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma must pay billions of dollars to settle a flood of lawsuits over the harms of opioids, in a new deal formally approved by a federal bankruptcy judge on Tuesday.
The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill Tuesday to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership.