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Republican Mike Johnson reelected House speaker in dramatic floor vote
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Mike Johnson narrowly won reelection Friday as House speaker on a first ballot, overcoming hard-right GOP holdouts in a tense standoff and buoyed by a nod of support from President-elect Donald Trump.The uneasy scene brought an ominous start to the first day of the new Congress. A small collection of hardline Republicans convened in the back of the House chamber, one by one declining to vote or choosing another lawmaker. Johnson’s face turned grim, acknowledging fresh turmoil and signaling trouble ahead for him as Trump returns to the White House with unified GOP control of Washington.
In the end, however, Johnson was able to flip two holdouts who switched to support him, with help from Trump, who called the dissenting Republican lawmakers from the golf course. The final tally was 218-215.
Johnson, visibly relieved, vowed to “reject business as usual” in his first speech with the gavel.
“We’re going to drastically cut back the size and scope of government,” he promised.
Johnson’s weak grip on the gavel has threatened not only his own survival but Trump’s ambitious agenda of tax cuts and mass deportations as Republicans sweep to power in the House and the Senate. The stark vote tally laid bare the challenges he faces. Even backing from Trump himself, usually a surer bet for Republicans, was no guarantee of Johnson’s ability to stay in the speaker’s office. ...
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Judge sets Trump's sentencing in hush money case for Jan. 10, but signals no jail time
In an extraordinary turn, a judge has set President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case for Jan. 10 — little over a week before he’s due to return to the White House.
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Biden to visit New Orleans Monday, in wake of Bourbon Street attack
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden will meet with families and community members during their visit, the White House said.
www.cbsnews.com
House Speaker Mike Johnson's victory came with a warning from hardline Republicans
Lawmakers reminded Johnson they have the numbers to remove him from the speakership if needed.
www.usatoday.com
New Majority Leader Thune kicks off Senate session with pledge to preserve filibuster
New Senate Majority Leader John Thune is kicking off the new session with a promise to preserve the filibuster, saying in his first floor speech as leader that his priority will be to “ensure the Senate stays the Senate.”
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NY judge says Trump will face no penalties in his criminal hush money case but upholds conviction | CNN Politics
President-elect Donald Trump will face no legal penalties for his conviction in the hush money case, a New York judge ruled Friday.
www.cnn.com
Social Security Fairness Act set to get Biden's signature
Legislation granting full Social Security benefits to nearly 3 million retirees will soon get become law, advocates say.
www.cbsnews.comWhy are US flags being flown at half-staff on Inauguration Day?
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed frustration that flags will be flying at half-staff when he takes office later this month.
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By blaming Biden for the New Orleans attack, Trump may be setting himself up for failure
Trump pointed to Biden's policies in the aftermath of the New Orleans terrorist attack. But the president-elect risks facing similar criticism if an attack happens while he is in office.
www.nbcnews.com
Mike Johnson re-elected House speaker as GOP mutiny threat dissolves
Speaker-designate Mike Johnson, R-La., won a majority of voting members in the House of Representatives.
On possible GOP votes against Trump nominees, Thune says no "clarity" yet
One of the first priorities for Senate Majority Leader John Thune is the confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump's expected nominees.
www.cbsnews.comSurgeon General calls for new label on drinks to warn Americans of alcohol's cancer risk
Alcohol is a leading cause of cancer, a risk that should be clearly labeled on drinks Americans consume, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy proposed on Friday.
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How Johnson won over GOP holdouts to secure a second term as speaker - Washington Examiner
Johnson did not acquiesce to the sort of demands made of Kevin McCarthy, who gave conservatives outsize sway to win the speaker's gavel in 2021.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
How Mike Johnson pulled out a 2nd term as House speaker -- with Donald Trump's help
Mike Johnson secured the gavel in dramatic fashion, as he was on track to lose before two Republican defectors changed their vote after speaking to Donald Trump.
Musk is 'misjudged and certainly misinformed' over UK grooming attacks, says senior minister
A senior British minister has pushed back on Elon Musk’s criticism of the government's handling of a historic child grooming scandal.
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Briton among dead in New Orleans vehicle attack
The family of London man Edward Pettifer mourn a "wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend".
www.bbc.comNew Orleans attacker had suspected bomb materials at home, reserved truck weeks ago, officials say
The attack along Bourbon Street killed 14 people, along with the driver, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who officials said was inspired by the Islamic State militant group.
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House Republicans warn of 'sincere reservations' Speaker Johnson can pass Trump's agenda
Eleven House Republicans skeptical about Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership outlined what they expect to fulfill President-elect Donald Trump's agenda.
www.usatoday.com
Judge in Trump's hush money case expected to sentence him to 'unconditional discharge'
The judge in President-elect Donald Trump's New York criminal hush money case indicated Friday that he intends to sentence Trump to an "unconditional discharge."
Trump cheers Johnson winning speaker vote: 'America is back'
President-elect Trump told Fox News Digital after lawmakers elected Speaker Mike Johnson to the top House post that the process brought Republicans "closer together."
House Speaker Mike Johnson, 119th Congress officially sworn in after dramatic re-election vote
Rep. Mike Johnson was officially sworn in as House Speaker once again Friday afternoon after a dramatic re-election vote.
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House Republicans unveil new rules, one which makes it harder to oust speaker
House Republican leaders unveiled new rules for the 119th Congress, which includes a provision that will make it harder to oust a speaker but doesn’t remove the threat.
The fragile Israel-Hezbollah truce is holding so far, despite violations
A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has held up for over a month, even as its terms seem unlikely to be met by the agreed-upon deadline.
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Thune says whole panels can see background checks on Trump nominees - Washington Examiner
Although Cabinet nominees' background checks are usually only shared with committee leaders, John Thune said he is open to all members viewing them.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Elon Musk 'misinformed' on grooming gangs, says Wes Streeting
The Conservatives have also criticised the billionaire for "sharing things that are factually inaccurate".
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Who is Tommy Robinson and why does Elon Musk want him freed from jail?
Robinson is serving an 18-month jail sentence for contempt of court, a charge stemming from a libelous video in which he falsely claimed a refugee teenager was a violent thug.
www.nbcnews.com
GOP rebels switch vote to Johnson after Trump’s 11th hour calls, pushing him over the finish line
Speaker Mike Johnson was re-elected to lead the House of Representatives after a dramatic floor vote Friday.
South Korea's impeached president defies warrant after hourslong standoff
South Korean investigators have left the president’s official residence after a nearly six-hour standoff during which he defied their attempt to detain him.
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Flu emergency room visits now "very high" nationwide, CDC says
Several Western states are seeing rates worse than last year's peak of flu season.
www.cbsnews.com
Harris, Sanders interaction caught on video: 'Not your nature' to 'stand wherever you're told'
Vice President Kamala Harris jokingly jabbed at Sen. Bernie Sanders during the swearing-in of the U.S. Senate.
www.usatoday.com
Cornyn and senators tell ATF director no new policies before Trump takes over - Washington Examiner
The senators told the retiring Steven Dettelbach not to try and create any new rules or restrictions on firearms before he leaves the position.
www.washingtonexaminer.comRepublicans' trust in accuracy of US elections jumps after Trump's win, AP-NORC poll finds
A new poll finds that Republican voters are more confident in the accuracy of U.S. elections now that Donald Trump has won.
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Net neutrality rules about corporate control over internet speeds blocked by federal appeals court
A federal appeals court has ruled that the FCC overstepped its authority by reinstating "net neutrality" rules governing internet service providers.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden's final actions as president leave some transgender people feeling unsupported
Some transgender people worry President Joe Biden did not do enough to shield them from the torrent of Trump policies to come
Biden blocks $14 billion acquisition of US Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel
His decision comes after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the deal last month, and sent a long-awaited report on the merger to Biden.
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Blinken heads to Asia, Europe on last expected trip as top US diplomat
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on what is expected to be his final overseas trip in office this weekend, traveling to South Korea, Japan and France
ATF chief resigns, cheering Second Amendment advocates - Washington Examiner
The ATF has a leading role in the investigations of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans and the explosion at the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.
www.washingtonexaminer.comAn Army veteran's path to radicalization followed divorces and struggling businesses in Texas
Shamsud-Din Jabbar seemed smart, quiet and devout to those around him. He grew up in Texas, joined the U.S.
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US surgeon general sounds alarm about link between alcohol and cancer | CNN
US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory Friday warning Americans that alcohol consumption can increase their cancer risk and called for an updated health warning label on alcoholic beverages.
www.cnn.comBiden awards the Medal of Honor and Medal of Valor to military heroes and first responders
President Joe Biden has awarded the Medal of Honor to military recipients who displayed heroism and self-sacrifice in combat and the Medal of Valor to first responders who put their own lives at risk to save others.
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Donald Trump fumes over flag flying at half-staff to honor Jimmy Carter during inauguration
"Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it," Trump said of the US flag flying at half-staff during his inauguration.
www.usatoday.com
Jake Sullivan, Biden discussed possibility of hitting Iran nuclear program: report
President Biden was presented scenario and response options on how to handle Iran should it make advances in developing a nuclear weapon, though the president has not signed off on hitting Tehran's program.
Speaker Johnson will oversee narrowest House majority in nearly 100 years | CNN Politics
Speaker Mike Johnson faces a major challenge in the new Congress: the narrowest House majority in nearly 100 years.
www.cnn.comIsraeli strikes kill at least 42 in Gaza as ceasefire talks set to resume in Qatar
Hospital and emergency response workers say Israeli strikes have killed at least 42 people in Gaza. Children were among the dead in the strikes that occurred overnight and into Friday.
apnews.com
China's young workers - overqualified and in low-paying jobs
With high youth unemployment rates, Chinese graduates are resorting to working as waiters, cleaners and movie extras.
www.bbc.comExcerpts from the judge's ruling to go ahead with Trump sentencing
The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s hush money case in New York dealt with a host of weighty, unprecedented questions before deciding Friday that the president-elect should be sentenced later this month for the crime of falsifying business records.
apnews.com
Bomb-making materials found at Texas home of New Orleans attacker, officials say
Federal investigators previously said they found two IEDs near the site of the New Orleans truck attack. They also detonated some materials found at a New Orleans Airbnb.
www.cbsnews.com
Menendez brothers latest: DA has 'productive' meeting with family but hasn't yet made decision
The Los Angeles County district attorney met with the Menendez brothers' relatives on Friday, but said he is still reviewing the facts in their case.
GOP lawmaker reveals why he changed his vote to support Mike Johnson in heated House speaker vote
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., expanded on why he changed his vote in favor of Speaker-designate Mike Johnson's re-election on "The Story."
Ohio governor vetoes medical free speech clause he says would gut state's regulatory power
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has vetoed part of a bill cast by state lawmakers as protecting the medical free speech of doctors and other health professionals.
apnews.com
GOP majority begins 119th Congress with lengthy list of legislative priorities
With newfound control of both chambers of Congress, Republican leaders are touting a list of priorities that they aim to quickly address, like immigration and taxes.
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House passes rule change making it harder to oust Johnson as speaker - Washington Examiner
The change offers some breathing room for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as he enters his first full term as speaker.
www.washingtonexaminer.comWhat to know as snow, freezing rain and bitter cold heads through much of the US
The National Weather Service says a major winter storm is forecast to produce heavy snow and significant ice starting in the central U.S. and moving east.
apnews.com
FBI releases new video in hunt for 6 January pipe bomb suspect
The suspect is seen placing a device near the Democratic National Committee headquarters a night before the Capitol riot.
www.bbc.comTrump's strength and unpredictability can help end the war in Ukraine, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is “strong and unpredictable” and those qualities can be a decisive factor in his policy approach to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
apnews.com
Who is Tommy Robinson and why is Elon Musk throwing his weight behind him?
Musk posted on X calling for jailed right-wing UK activist Robinson to be released.
Jimmy Carter's funeral attractive target 'for violent extremists to attack': Security assessment
There are no known threats to the state funeral for Carter, but it is an attractive target "for violent extremists to attack," according to a new security assessment.
Kavelashvili is inaugurated as Georgia's president, complicating its path toward EU
Former soccer player Mikheil Kavelashvili has been inaugurated as president of Georgia in what the opposition calls a blow to the country’s EU aspirations and a victory for former imperial ruler Russia.
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Meet the new senators being sworn in to Congress in 2025
The Senate is convening for the start of the 119th Congress on Friday, with a dozen new senators joining the upper chamber.
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Trump slams Merchan, Democrats, who 'just want to see if they can get a pound of flesh' amid failed cases
EXCLUSIVE: President-elect Donald Trump slammed Judge Juan Merchan for denying his request to dismiss the charges against him in New York v. Trump, telling Fox News Digital Democrats “just want to see if they can get a pound of flesh because every case has failed."
DOJ finds Oklahoma City police discriminate against people with behavioral disabilities
A U.S. Department of Justice investigation has found Oklahoma City and its police department have discriminated against people with behavioral health disabilities.
apnews.com
State Department notifies Congress of planned $8 billion arms sale to Israel | CNN Politics
The State Department has informally notified Congress that it intends to sell $8 billion in arms to Israel, a US official and another source familiar with the matter told CNN.
www.cnn.com
Trayon White offers vague apology after he’s sworn in to DC Council - Washington Examiner
D.C. Councilman Trayon White , who faces federal bribery charges, offered an apology after being sworn into office
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Man charged with killing health insurance CEO pleads not guilty | The Excerpt
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to state murder and terrorism charges in New York. NORAD, Google have live tools to track Santa this Christmas Eve.
www.usatoday.com
Excerpts from the judge's ruling to go ahead with Trump sentencing
The judge overseeing Donald Trump's hush money case in New York dealt with a host of weighty, unprecedented questions before deciding Friday that the president-elect should be sentenced later this month for the crime of falsifying business records. In an 18-page legal opinion, Judge Juan...
Israeli airstrike hits a Gaza humanitarian zone as Netanyahu OKs a delegation to talks in Qatar
Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have killed at least 50 people, including several children, as they struck Hamas security officers and an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone.
apnews.com
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,045
Here are the key developments on the 1,045th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Meta shuts down AI character accounts on Facebook, Instagram after outcry
Viral controversy over AI-generated Instagram accounts created by the company led to a search result blackout.
www.nbcnews.com
New Orleans attack latest: Suspect's travel to Egypt under investigation
The suspect in the truck attack that killed 14 and injured dozens on New Orleans' Bourbon street on New Year's had traveled to Egypt in 2023 for about a month.
Soldier who died in Las Vegas explosion left note saying it was to be a wakeup for country's ills
A highly decorated Army soldier who died in an explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas left a note saying it was stunt to serve as “wakeup call” for the country’s ills, investigators said Friday.
apnews.com
Federal courts won't ask Justice Department to probe possible ethics breaches by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas
The federal courts will not refer allegations that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas may have violated ethics laws to the Justice Department, the judiciary's policymaking body says.
www.cbsnews.comJustice Department enters consent decree with Fulton County over jail conditions
The U.S. Justice Department announced that it has entered into a court-enforceable agreement with Georgia’s most populous county after finding that violence and filthy conditions in county lockups violated the constitutional rights of people held in jail.
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Trump gets Johnson across the finish line but dramatic speaker vote signals challenges ahead | CNN Politics
With two Republican lawmakers standing between Mike Johnson and the speaker’s gavel, President-elect Donald Trump picked up the phone.
www.cnn.com
‘Colonies problem’: Delegate's mic cut after outcry during House speaker vote
Plasket asked the House clerk why she and other delegates were not asked to participate in the House speaker vote.
Johnson elected US House speaker in close vote
Republican Mike Johnson could only lose two votes from his own party in his bid for speaker re-election, and he nearly did.
www.bbc.com
Cruise ships hit by worst year for stomach bugs in over a decade, CDC data reveals | CNN
2024 was the worst year for gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships in over a decade, thanks to a surge in norovirus, according to figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
www.cnn.com
Here is why Rep. Keith Self switched his vote for House speaker - Washington Examiner
Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) surprised many with his initial vote against Mike Johnson. Here is why he changed his mind.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Tim Scott becomes longest serving Black senator
The title of longest-serving Black senator was previously held by Sen. Edward Brooke (R-Mass.) who served two full terms from 1967 to 1979.
www.usatoday.com
New Orleans attack and Vegas explosion highlight extremist violence by active military and veterans
Much remains unknown about the man who carried out an attack in New Orleans and another who died in an explosion in Las Vegas on New Year’s.
apnews.com
FBI releases new video and evidence in D.C. pipe bomb case, still unsolved 4 years later
Investigators released fresh security camera video showing the suspect sitting on a park bench, reaching into his backpack and planting a pipe bomb on Jan. 5, 2021.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden awards Medal of Honor to 7 US Army soldiers in White House ceremony | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor – the nation’s highest military award for valor – to seven US Army soldiers in a White House ceremony Friday, marking the last time he would preside over such an occasion as commander in chief.
www.cnn.comWhich US elections are happening in 2025? Here's a look at upcoming primary and general contests
Most of the U.S. holds its major primary and general elections in even-numbered years, but there are a handful of places where competitive congressional, state and local-level contests will be happening in 2025.
apnews.com
Zelenskyy says Trump could be ‘decisive’ in bringing an end to the war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he thinks President-elect Donald Trump could be "decisive" in ending the nearly three-years-long war and dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands.
Mike Johnson re-elected as speaker despite some opposition from the far-right
Johnson, R-La., initially fell two votes short of holding onto the speaker's gavel on a first ballot. But after meeting with the speaker, two opponents switched their votes.
www.nbcnews.com
Cybertruck explosion suspect suffered from PTSD, police say
Police said the US army member had no animosity toward Trump and the blast appeared to be a "tragic case of suicide".
www.bbc.comFBI releases new video of a suspect planting a pipe bomb near DNC offices on eve of the Capitol riot
The FBI is releasing new information about a suspect who planted pipe bombs four years ago outside the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees near the Capitol.
apnews.com
Young boy survives 5 days in 'lion-infested' game park in Zimbabwe: Officials
A child who had been missing for five days was found alive in a vast game park inhabited by big cats and other wild animals in northern Zimbabwe, officials said.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to vote for Johnson after seeking to oust him from speakership last year
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who sought to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson from the speakership last year, plans to vote for him to remain in the role.
AP PHOTOS: Syria's new security forces conduct sweeps in Homs, looking for ousted Assad's loyalists
Syria’s new security forces have deployed in tanks in the city of Homs to search for militia members and former soldiers loyal to ousted President Bashar Assad who have refused to surrender their weapons.
apnews.com
How Trump and Musk's interventions prompt diplomatic challenge
Politicians are navigating how to deal with the social media presence of Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
www.bbc.com
Cold and flooded, children in Gaza face dire — and deadly — winter amid Israel's offensive
At least five children have died from hypothermia so far this winter after being displaced by Israel’s offensive in Gaza, health officials have said.
www.nbcnews.com2024 was a year of triumphs and setbacks for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Here's how it unfolded
The year 2024 saw President Vladimir Putin further cement his power as he sought to counter Russia's isolation over the war in Ukraine.
apnews.com
Judge rejects Jan. 6 defendant's request to attend Trump's inauguration
Russell Taylor was invited by a former congressman to attend the inauguration after being accused of organizing a group of “fighters” to travel to D.C. for Jan. 6, 2021.
www.nbcnews.com
Judge orders Trump to be sentenced in hush money case on Jan. 10, but says he won't be incarcerated
Judge Juan Merchan denied Trump's motion to dismiss the case against him, and said he could appear in person or remotely for the sentencing.
www.nbcnews.com
Myanmar to release prisoners to mark Independence Day
Myanmar’s military government will release more than 6,000 prisoners and has reduced other inmates’ sentences as part of a mass amnesty to mark the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain.
apnews.com
New Orleans officials were warned in 2019 that Bourbon Street was vulnerable to car-ramming attack
New Orleans city leaders were warned in a 2019 confidential physical security assessment that Bourbon Street was vulnerable to a vehicle-ramming attack.
South Korea: Why is it so hard to arrest an impeached president?
Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by parliament and suspended from office.
www.bbc.comTaiwan says China is redoubling efforts to undermine democracy with disinformation
Taiwan's government says China is redoubling efforts to undermine confidence in the self-governing island's democracy with the spread of disinformation, especially online.
apnews.com
Trump and Johnson win, but House GOP uncertainty remains - Washington Examiner
Mike Johnson won with Donald Trump's help, but House Republicans' problems remain.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden to travel to New Orleans to meet with families following terror attack
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will head to Louisiana on Monday, the White House said.
www.nbcnews.comFinalized tax credit for cleaner hydrogen gets a cautious OK from some environmental groups
The Biden administration released long-awaited final rules Friday for a tax credit that will send billions of dollars to producers of cleaner hydrogen. The new rules drew cautious praise from environmental groups, who said they would likely reduce planet-warming emissions but included loopholes...
The last high-profile trip to India by the Biden administration will focus on technology
National security adviser Jake Sullivan will travel to India for a visit focusing on cooperation on strategic technology, including in defense, space and artificial intelligence.
apnews.comNancy Mace’s Bathroom Ban Excluded from House Rules Package
The GOP-controlled House approved several amendments that ax rights for transgender people and other vulnerable communities, however.
Five things to watch as new members of US Congress sworn in
The Republicans' slim House majority faced an early test with the re-election of Speaker Mike Johnson.
www.bbc.comEthiopia is evacuating thousands facing dangerous volcanic activity in a remote area
Ethiopian authorities say they are evacuating thousands of civilians who live near potentially dangerous volcanic activity in a remote part of the country’s north-east.
apnews.com
Israeli bombing kills 150 over two days as Gaza ceasefire talks to resume
Death toll mounts from intensifying Israeli attacks on refugee camps, tent shelters and residential homes across Gaza.
New Orleans attack: Investigation into terror driver's background continues as French Quarter reopens
President Joe Biden is scheduled to travel to New Orleans on Monday to meet with affected community members.
www.nbcnews.comUS sanctions Beijing-based cyber group for its alleged role in hacking incidents
U.S. Treasury on Friday sanctioned a Beijing-based cybersecurity company for its alleged role in multiple hacking incidents targeting critical U.S. infrastructure.
apnews.com
Sen. John Thune says House Speaker Mike Johnson has a ‘really tough job’ ahead with a thin GOP majority
"He’s got a lot of folks that are headed in different directions," Thune said during an interview with "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker.
www.nbcnews.com
‘I feel helpless’: India-Bangladesh tensions deny patients medical access
India has scaled back visa operations in Bangladesh, hitting thousands of patients who rely on its hospitals for care.
Poland's government drafts evacuations plans in event of natural disasters and military threats
Poland's Interior Ministry is drafting rules and regulations for evacuating civilians and national culture treasures in the event of natural or military threats.
apnews.com
Finnish court upholds oil tanker seizure in undersea cables probe
Finland seized Eagle S tanker carrying Russian oil on suspicion that it damaged the Finnish-Estonian Estlink 2 power.
An Arizona prisoner is asking to be executed sooner than the state wants
An Arizona death row prisoner has asked the state’s highest court to skip legal formalities and schedule his execution earlier than authorities were aiming for
British woman and fiance found dead in Vietnam villa
Greta Marie Otteson, 33, was discovered dead in a room at a tourist villa in Hoi An, police said.
www.bbc.comUS new vehicle sales rose 2.7% last year as prices and interest rates dropped a little
New vehicle sales in the U.S. rose 2.7% last year as prices and interest rates eased a bit, making SUVs, cars and trucks a little more affordable.
apnews.comWatch the latest videos from the Washington Examiner
Watch the latest videos from the Washington Examiner, featuring in-depth analysis, commentary, and interviews. Get the latest news & issues affecting America.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Over 300,000 migrants crossed Latin America’s Darien Gap in 2024, down 42%
The figures were a contrast to the record number who made the dangerous crossing a year earlier, according to Panama's migration authorities.
www.nbcnews.comStock market today: Wall Street opens 2025 with more modest losses
U.S. stock indexes closed an erratic day of trading with more modest losses. The S&P 500 fell 0.2% Thursday to extend the four-day losing streak that dimmed the close of its stellar 2024.
apnews.com
Vehicle attacks are difficult to prevent — but New Orleans fell short, experts say
The city has 700-pound steel barriers but did not put them on Bourbon Street until a day after the attack, which the lieutenant governor called “a complete failure of responsibility.”
www.nbcnews.com
After holiday pause, South Carolina begins scheduling executions again
South Carolina’s Supreme Court set a Jan. 31 date for the state’s next execution after allowing a pause for the Christmas holidays
Hundreds of animals killed in Dallas shopping center fire
Authorities in Dallas say a fire that broke out at a shopping center in Dallas has killed more than 500 animals, most of which were small birds.
apnews.com
Rudy Giuliani testifies at contempt-of-court hearing in defamation case
Attorneys for Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss say the former Trump attorney has defied three court orders demanding he turn over his property and that he should be sanctioned.
www.nbcnews.comBrian Kilmeade Gets Super-Awkward Fact Check From Jim Jordan In Live On-Air Flub
The Fox News host fell for a trolling tweet from outgoing GOP congressman Bob Good.
How major US stock indexes fared Friday, 1/3/2025
Wall Street rallied out of its holiday-season funk. The S&P 500 climbed 1.3% Friday, its best day in nearly two months and its first gain since Christmas.
apnews.com
Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion: 2 letters found on suspect's phone, police say
Matthew Livelsberger -- the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Las Vegas Hotel -- died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Congress, once again, is getting older
Congress is older, again, and baby boomers in the House and Senate are losing seats to Generation X and millennials.
Consumer protection agency sues Walmart, Branch alleging illegal pay practices for gig drivers
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has sued Walmart and work scheduling platform Branch Messenger for allegedly forcing delivery drivers that are part of its gig program to use costly deposit accounts to get paid and mispresented how they could access their wages.
apnews.com
Mike Johnson hangs on, but his challenges are only beginning: From the Politics Desk
Plus, a sit-down interview with new Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
www.nbcnews.comTrump and GOP allies falsely blame New Orleans attack on immigration failures
President-elect Donald Trump and his allies in Congress have blamed the deadly New Orleans truck attack on President Joe Biden's border policies even though the attacker was a U.S. citizen.
