
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday left in place Texas’ ban on most abortions, offering only a glimmer of daylight for clinics in the state to challenge the nation’s most restrictive abortion law.

Inflation hits 39-year high as consumer prices continue to climb
The latest government inflation data was released on Friday.

Jan. 6 panel subpoenas 6 who helped plan Trump rallies
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection is subpoenaing six more people who the panel says were involved in the organization and planning of rallies that aimed to overturn Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election.


Surging inflation is forcing people and businesses to adapt
A warehouse worker in Tennessee is running up against price increases that far exceed her modest pay raise.


Judge limits Steve Bannon from releasing certain case material to the public
Bannon faces two counts of criminal contempt of Congress.


New inflation number feeds angst about Democrats' $2T bill
A new government report showing inflation rising at the fastest rate in nearly four decades is raising fresh questions about the fate of President Joe Biden’s social and environment legislation.


How Trump is shaping 2022 races in states he lost in 2020
"Some might call 2022 the revenge tour, but more accurately, President Trump is building the Republican Party through the interests of every MAGA voter for years to come," one Trump adviser said.


Tucker Carlson says one of his children was in the Capitol during Jan. 6 riot
Fox News host Tucker Carlson revealed in a podcast released on Thursday that one of his children was in the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot.During an episode of “The Fourth Watch Podcast,̶…


GOP escalates air wars over Biden’s megabill
But Democrats will have air cover against inflation-related attacks as the social spending plan comes to the floor.


Jan. 6 committee postpones deposition after Trump adviser engages with panel
Jason Miller was a senior adviser on Trump’s 2020 campaign and worked as a top aide in the administration.


Poll: Three in ten voters want Roe v. Wade overturned
Three in ten voters surveyed in a new Hill-HarrisX poll want Roe v. Wade overturned.Thirty percent of the registered voters who responded to the Dec. 6-7 survey said the Supreme Court’s …


NATO chief rejects Russian demand to deny Ukraine entry
Jens Stoltenberg rejected Russia’s call for the West to withdraw its invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance.

Prosecutors seek longest Jan. 6 sentence yet for rioter who assaulted police in Capitol tunnel
Robert Palmer hurled wooden boards and a fire extinguisher at police officers guarding the Lower West Terrace tunnel of the Capitol.

House Democrats find in three-year investigation that drug prices are 'unsustainable, unjustifiable and unfair'
WASHINGTON - The pharmaceutical industry relies on drug-pricing practices that are "unsustainable, unjustified and unfair," according to findings from a nearly three-year investigation by the House Oversight Committee. The findings, released Friday, show that companies studied by the committee...

Graham hopes to sway Manchin against Biden plan with new CBO report
Republicans are hoping to sway Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) into hitting pause on President Biden’s climate and social spending plan — or nixing it altogether — using a new Congressional B…


Supreme Court thwarts bid to block SB8 on 'dark day' for Texas abortion rights
The Supreme Court acted on abortion providers' challenge to stay enforcement of Texas' controversial abortion ban after six weeks of pregnancy.
Matt Gaetz's ‘Extreme' Warning Flipped Back On Him In Scathing Attack Ad
“When Republicans tell you who they are are, listen," The Democratic Party warned with its spot hitting the Donald Trump-adoring Florida Republican.

Georgia's Perdue sues over 2020 election, pushes fraud claim
Georgia Republican David Perdue is furthering his embrace of debunked claims that Georgia’s 2020 presidential election was wrongly decided as he runs for governor.


Inflation accelerates at lightning pace in new setback for Biden
Costs for key goods and services soared 0.8 percent for the month and 6.8 percent for the year, the highest since 1982, the Labor Department reported Friday.


Netanyahu responds to Trump attack, says ‘it was important’ to congratulate Biden
Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday defended congratulating President Biden on his win in the 2020 presidential election, saying doing so “was important” given the …


Nobel Peace Prize winners warn of growing disinformation threat
Journalists Maria Ressa, Dmitry Muratov tell Al Jazeera that media outlets must collaborate to counter dangerous lies.

Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, Tom Hanks attended Bob Dole's funeral. Who else was there?
“Senator Bob showed me that even well into your 90s, it is never too late to make a new friend," Savannah Guthrie said.
www.usatoday.com

Supreme Court lets challenge to Texas abortion law proceed, allows law to remain in effect
The Supreme Court Friday morning ruled that a lawsuit by abortion providers against Texas over its abortion law may proceed.

Top Senate races to watch in 2022
The 2022 midterm elections are coming up and the battle for control of the Senate has already started. There are 34 Senate seats up in 2022. Here are the top races to watch.


Two election workers break silence after enduring Trump backers' threats
Death threats from angry Trump supporters forced Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman, a 62-year-old grandmother, to flee her home of 20 years. Some messages called for her hanging; one urged people to “hunt” her. Freeman showed hundreds of menacing messages to police and called 911 three times.
Rift Between Senator and Son Shows the Challenge of Taxing the Ultrarich
WASHINGTON — ADW Capital Partners would appear to be the kind of hedge fund that Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee would like to tax more heavily: small but growing fast, with $330 million in assets, an address in New York, an incorporation in Delaware but doing business in Florida, and...

Biden says he will speak with Manchin next week
President Biden on Friday acknowledged that he wasn’t sure he could get Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) on board to pass his sweeping climate and social spending package but said he would be talking to …


Former top defense aide Kash Patel, three other witnesses appear before January 6 select committee
Stop the Steal organizer Ali Alexander also spoke to the panel for nearly 8 hours.


CBO issues score on how much Build Back Better would cost if programs were permanent | CNN Politics
The Congressional Budget Office has released a new analysis of the Democrats’ social safety net plan to see how much the bill would cost if a series of provisions were extended long term, fulfilling a GOP request intended to portray the bill as far more expensive than it seems.

U.S. awarding $12.6 million for marine highway projects
The U.S. Transportation Department on Friday said it is awarding $12.6 million in grants for nine marine highway projects as part of ongoing efforts to improve ports and address supply chain issues. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement the funds "will help us move more...

Annual inflation rises to 6.8 percent, the highest rate since 1982
Consumer prices surged 6.8 percent in the year leading into November and 0.8 percent last month alone as a roaring economy overwhelmed struggling supply chains and fueled inflation, according to da…


Lebanon: Blast rocks Palestinian camp, causes casualties
Ambulances rush to the scene in Burj al-Shemali camp in port city of Tyre as authorities investigate source of blast.

Prosecution rests in sex-abuse trial of Ghislaine Maxwell
Prosecutors at the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell have completed presenting their case against the British socialite accused of sexually abusing teenage girls with her late companion, financier Jeffrey Epstein
At Bob Dole's funeral, Biden recalls bipartisanship of a bygone era
“We disagreed,” the president said in his eulogy at the Washington National Cathedral on Friday. “But we were never disagreeable with one another.”

Drugmakers aim big price hikes at U.S. patients, congressional report finds
Drugmakers have targeted the U.S. market to earn outsized profits from old medicines, according to a report released on Friday by the House Oversight Committee that highlighted Eli Lilly and Co , Novo Nordisk and Sanofi , which dominate the market for insulin.
NC GOP Senate primary intensifies as campaigns go negative
A court ruling delaying North Carolina’s high-stakes GOP Senate primary has increased pressure on former President Donald Trump’s favored candidate to agree to a debate schedule and has given his opponents more space to renew attacks on him. U.S. Rep. Ted Budd, whom Trump has endorsed in the...
China uses abandoned NASA design to develop 6,000-mph hypersonic nuclear missile engine: Report - Washington Examiner
The Chinese military is apparently using an abandoned NASA design to develop a 6,000-mph hypersonic nuclear missile engine.A prototype of the engine has been built and tested using a "radical" American design first proposed over 20 years ago as the country competes to outperform the West in a...


Nobel Peace Prize: Maria Ressa attacks social media 'toxic sludge'
Philippine journalist Maria Ressa accuses internet sites of using a "God-like power" to sow division.


US issues sanctions, visa bans to mark Human Rights Day
The U.S. issued financial sanctions and visa bans on former and current government officials and entities in nine countries Friday — including China, Myanmar and Russia — as part of coordinated actions with Canada and the U.K. to coincide with International Human Rights Day.


UK opens door to Assange extradition to US on spying charges
A British appellate court has opened the door for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be extradited to the United States.


Supreme Court continues fight against Texas six-week abortion ban but leaves law in place
Opponents of the Texas law are likely to once again ask lower federal courts to block its enforcement but clinics said their options are limited.
www.usatoday.com

White House on Smollett verdict: Lying about a hate crime is ‘shameful’
White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday warned falsifying hate crimes hurts real victims of those incidents after actor Jussie Smollett was found guilty of lying to Chicago police about a r…


Jan. 6 committee subpoenas two former White House aides who met with Trump before rally
The panel asked Max Miller and Robert “Bobby” Peede, Jr. for documents and testimony related to a private Jan. 4 meeting with Trump.

William Hartmann, Michigan Official Who Disputed Election, Dies at 63
William Hartmann, one of two Republican election officials from Michigan who initially refused to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election in Wayne County, where Joe Biden had trounced Donald Trump, died Nov. 30 at a hospital in Wyandotte, Michigan, near Detroit. He was 63. About...

Dems want Schumer to play hardball against GOP blockade on ambassadors
Senators are urging Schumer to hold weekend and late-night sessions over the holidays to plow through the dozens of nominees lagging on the Senate floor.


Officials, experts sound the alarm about critical cyber vulnerability
Officials and cyber experts on Friday sounded the alarm about a critical logging vulnerability that could potentially impact thousands of organizations, racing to implement patches before hackers c…


New Jan. 6 subpoenas target Trump associates, rally planners
Congressional investigators are focused on who coordinated Jan. 6 rally with Trump.


Mother of abducted U.S. journalist Austin Tice to meet with national security adviser Jake Sullivan
The American journalist was captured in Syria in 2012, and his current whereabouts are unknown.


Kanye West's publicist pressed Georgia election worker to confess to false election fraud charges
Trump and his allies baselessly accused Ruby Freeman and her daughter of election-rigging.


Republicans hold 10-point advantage on generic midterm ballot: poll
Republicans are building a growing advantage on the generic midterm ballot ahead of next year’s midterms, according to a new CNBC All-America Economic survey.The GOP has a 10-point edge over Democr…


House Democrats probe finds drugmakers drove U.S. price hikes
House Oversight Chair Carolyn Maloney dismissed pharmaceutical industry arguments that the drug price controls the Democrats are pursuing would limit efforts to develop new cures and therapeutics.


Anger boils as UK Parliament endorses ‘obscene’ nationality bill
Citizens, activists and politicians say bill which could deprive nationality without notice targets minorities.

Navy blames Hawaii water contamination on jet fuel spill
Navy officials say they believe that contaminated tap water that went to Hawaii military households came from a one-time spill of jet fuel last month

Biden eulogizes former Sen. Bob Dole at Washington National Cathedral funeral
President Joe Biden eulogized former Sen. Bob Dole at a Friday funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral.

Bob Dole's only daughter remembers her 'most generous' dad, his love for his dogs
The only daughter of Bob Dole spoke about her dad's generosity and his love for his dogs.
www.usatoday.com

Security breach on Capitol Hill included missteps, such as giving officers wrong description for the suspect | CNN Politics
A security breach at an office building on the US Capitol complex on Thursday included a number of missteps, such as Capitol Police failing to notice a handgun on the X-ray security screen and erroneously telling officers to look for a White woman instead of a Black man, sources familiar with...


One-third say Biden cheated in 2020, 61% of GOP - Washington Examiner
A majority of Republicans and 13% of Democrats still believe that President Joe Biden cheated to beat former President Donald Trump.In a slight decline since June, when 41% of likely voters said they did not believe Biden won fairly, 34% now told Rasmussen Reports that Biden did not win...


Sinema meets with students on voting rights amid stalemate
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) on Thursday met with 20 students engaging in a hunger strike in an effort to push for the passage of voting rights legislation.“Senator Sinema agreed with us: our…


Massachusetts US Attorney Rachael Rollins' left-wing track record under scrutiny
U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins' prosecution history is coming under scrutiny after the Senate confirmed her nomination.

Biden’s head of personnel to leave White House for UNICEF
President Biden on Friday announced that Cathy Russell, the head of the powerful White House personnel office, would leave to assume the role of executive director of UNICEF.


FARA by the numbers
The department has recorded 121 new registrants this year, which is the second largest number, down from the peak in 2019.

Burglars make off with 40 guns from California firearms store: Report - Washington Examiner
At least 40 guns were stolen from a California firearms store on Thursday, authorities said.Multiple suspects are thought to have raided Whitten Sales in Garden Grove, California, at about 12:16 a.m., according to police.When officers responded to the scene, they found the front door had been...


Biden says U.S. inflation has likely peaked
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that inflation has likely peaked in the United States and is likely to come down faster than most people expect.

Biden halts US funding for new fossil fuel projects overseas
The policy bans federal funding of overseas coal projects that do not capture or partially capture carbon emissions.

Psaki grilled on Biden, Harris tweets about Smollett; says 'lessons learned' for 'everyone who commented'
White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday was pressed on President Biden and Vice President Harris' initial support for actor Jussie Smollett's hate crime claims, but noted that Biden and Harris weren't alone in initially believing Smollett.

Biden praises Dole's heroism and character in funeral at Washington's National Cathedral
Dole, a former Senate majority leader and the last World War II veteran to be a major party's presidential nominee, died Sunday at the age of 98.


Biden sharply criticizes Kellogg’s plan to replace striking workers
President Biden on Friday said he was “deeply troubled” by Kellogg’s plan to permanently replace striking workers with new employees after workers rejected a new contract earlier this week. Bi…


Chief Justice John Roberts warns Supreme Court over Texas abortion law
Roberts joined the high court’s three liberal justices in discussing the constitutionality of the Texas abortion law.


READ: Supreme Court rulings in Texas abortion case | CNN Politics
The Supreme Court on Friday left in place a Texas abortion law that bars the procedure after around six weeks of pregnancy, but the justices said abortion providers had the right to challenge the law in federal court.

Biden’s legal losses: Seven times courts have struck against administration - Washington Examiner
President Joe Biden suffered a setback in court this week when a federal judge in Georgia halted his vaccine mandate for federal contractors, delivering the latest legal blow to the Biden administration’s agenda.Beyond its pandemic-related measures, the Biden administration has endured a number...


This 15-term congressman started out as a Black Panther


US diplomat visits jailed American oil execs in Venezuela
A U.S. diplomat visited jailed American oil executives this week in Venezuela in a meeting that was not previously announced, the State Department said.“We can confirm that the Special Presidential…


Biden DOJ asks Supreme Court to reject Harvard Asian discrimination case - Washington Examiner
The Biden administration filed a brief at the Supreme Court Wednesday calling on the court to reject an appeal from a group that sued Harvard alleging the Ivy League school engaged in racial discrimination against Asians. The brief delineates the government’s position in Students for Fair...

Economist group touts Build Back Better as inflation offset
With inflation numbers expected to come out hot this morning, a group of 56 economists says President Biden’s Build Back Better Act would counteract the impact of rising prices on Americans’ wallets.Driving the news: The economists signed a letter, released Friday morning in conjunction with...

Broader jury pool sought for Arbery death hate crimes trial
Attorneys in the upcoming federal hate crimes trial of the white men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery want the jury pool to come from an expansive area of Georgia

Democrats don’t think Manchin wants Biden agenda vote by Christmas
Democratic senators say that Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has made it clear to them through what they say are stalling tactics that he has no desire to vote on President Biden’s sweeping climate and …


Biden assures Ukraine's leader of US support to deter Russia
President Joe Biden has reached out to Ukraine’s leader as the United States moves to take a more direct role in diplomacy between that country and Russia.


White House adds new initiative for Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian visibility
As communities slowly recover from the pandemic's devastation, advocates hope the new initiative will help with data disaggregation and language access for federal programs.


UN chief to attend Beijing Olympics as Western nations commit to diplomatic boycott over human rights abuses
The U.N. Secretary General has accepted an invitation to the Olympics in Beijing, China amid boycotts from some Western nations.

Investing in Lego sets more profitable than gold: Study - Washington Examiner
Purchasing Legos could be a good way to construct a sound investment portfolio, a new study says. There could be profitable gains made from investing in "more unusual goods whose purchase might seem less serious," such as Lego sets and Barbie dolls, researchers at the Higher School of Economics...


Timeline of events surrounding Texas' ban on most abortions
Texas has banned most abortions since early September under a law that has created the biggest curb to abortion in the U.S. in nearly 50 years

Biden judicial nominee Dale Ho appeared to compare voter ID laws to 'chemotherapy'
President Biden’s nominee to be the new federal district judge for Southern New York, Dale Ho, once appeared to compare voter identification requirements to “chemotherapy."

U.S. falls behind other countries on LGBTQ+ rights: report
Countries were scored on three categories: basic human rights, protection from violence and socioeconomic rights.


GOP Florida congressman thinks Lauren Boebert should keep committee assignments - "The Takeout"
On "The Takeout" podcast this week, Byron Donalds discussed a third run for Trump and the feud between Lauren Boebert and Ilhan Omar.


The very low public profile of Biden’s health secretary
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who said fighting Covid would be his top priority, seems "invisible," say former officials from both parties.


Cook County DA Kim Foxx under fire following Jussie Smollett verdict - Washington Examiner
A guilty verdict in Jussie Smollett's phony hate crime trial has renewed criticism of Cook County District Attorney Kim Foxx, whose office mysteriously dropped more than a dozen charges against the Empire actor before public outcry forced a special prosecutor to step in.Smollett was found guilty...

Capitol Police say it took 12 minutes to arrest suspected armed staffer
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) said Friday it took more time than initially believed to track down and arrest a staffer suspected of bringing a handgun into the Longworth House Office Building.Why it matters: The incident, which occurred hours before President Biden and Vice President...

Trump accuses Netanyahu of disloyalty for congratulating Biden after 2020 win: ‘F**k him’ | CNN Politics
Former President Donald Trump railed against his one-time close ally Benjamin Netanyahu in a new interview series, saying he felt betrayed by the then-prime minister of Israel’s video message to Joe Biden congratulating him on winning the presidency.


Kanye West publicist pressed Georgia election worker to confess to bogus fraud charges
Weeks after the 2020 election, a Chicago publicist for hip-hop artist Kanye West traveled to the suburban home of Ruby Freeman, a frightened Georgia election worker who was facing death threats after being falsely accused by former President Donald Trump of manipulating votes. The publicist...

Anti-Defamation League: Extremist content remains ‘easily accessible’ on Instagram
Instagram is a hotbed for white supremacist messaging, extremism and hateful content, according to new research from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).Researchers with the ADL’s Center for Ext…


White House pledges to work to bring home missing reporter Austin Tice
A top White House aide on Friday met with the mother of journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared while reporting in Syria in 2012.

U.S. universities keep ties to Chinese schools that support China’s military buildup, report says
The relationships are entirely legal and American universities often tout their ties to “sister” Chinese universities as an academic strength.


Accuser Annie Farmer testifies Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein violated her at age 16: "I felt sick to my stomach"
Annie Farmer told jurors she accepted an invitation to the financier's sprawling New Mexico ranch in 1996 hoping that Maxwell and Epstein would help her with academic endeavors.


Texas seized enough fentanyl this year to equate to ‘more than 36.2 million lethal doses’
“Fentanyl is a deadly narcotic that is plaguing our society,” the director for Texas’s Department of Public Safety said.


Delta flight diverted to Oklahoma City after passenger allegedly assaults flight attendant and air marshal
The suspect was taken into custody in Oklahoma City after the alleged incident with a flight attendant. The flight was headed to L.A. from Washington, D.C.


Man gets 10 years for actions during Portland protests
A far-right extremist has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his violent actions during August 2020 protests against racial injustice in Oregon’s largest city

Equilibrium/Sustainability — Scientists catch ‘superflare’ in nearby system
Today is Friday. Welcome to Equilibrium, a newsletter that tracks the growing global battle over the future of sustainability. Subscribe here: thehill.com/newsletter-signup. An eruption of sup…


Gay dolphins and bisexual bonobos: Exhibition fights ‘unnatural’ homophobia in humans - Washington Examiner
Homosexuality and gender diversity are not immoral or unnatural, according to a science exhibition in Switzerland. In nature, same-sex relationships are an everyday occurrence and generate social cohesion, said Christian Kropf, a biologist at the University of Bern's Institute of Ecology and...


US commander: Al-Qaida numbers in Afghanistan up 'slightly'
The top U.S. commander in the Middle East says the al-Qaida extremist group has grown slightly inside Afghanistan since U.S. forces left in late August.


Lindsey Graham warns Build Back Better 'spending orgy' is 'paving a path to socialism'
Senate Budget Committee ranking member Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., warned that President Biden’s Build Back Better is a "spending orgy" that would be "paving a path to socialism."

White House points finger at the press
The Biden White House, plagued by low approval ratings that have weakened the president’s clout and raised fears among Democrats over next year’s midterm elections, is blaming the media for some of…

Sotomayor decries abortion ruling but court’s conservatives show their muscle
The highest court in the US has been defied by a group of extremist Republicans openly flouting the court’s own rulings The supreme court’s ruling allowed the law, the most restrictive currently in force in the US, to remain in effect. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Sonia Sotomayor, the...

Assange one step closer to extradition to United States
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Friday moved a step closer to facing criminal charges in the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information after Washington won an appeal over his extradition in an English court.

Survivors recall horror of Mexico truck crash that killed 55
Survivors of the horrific truck crash in Mexico that killed 55 migrants and injured more than a hundred recounted from their hospital beds how their location inside the truck determined who lived and who died.


Biden says hard work ahead to bolster democracies
President Joe Biden has wrapped up his two-day democracy summit, an event that was more about starting a global conversation about how best to halt backsliding than producing immediate results or expanding democracy’s reach.


Texas family awarded largest-ever compensation after drunk driving accident
Craig Sico, an attorney for the victims’ family, told a jury in Texas, “they needed to decide how loud their voice was going to be heard.”


GOP House Doctors Caucus pressures Mayorkas on fentanyl as opioid epidemic surges
Fox News obtained the letter that Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., is leading with a group of his fellow GOP Doctors Caucus members to Mayorkas amid the compounding southern border crisis exacerbating the illicit fentanyl stream into America.

Report: Trump slammed Netanyahu for congratulating Biden
An Israeli newspaper is reporting that former President Donald Trump earlier this year lashed out with profanity at Benjamin Netanyahu for congratulating President Joe Biden on his victory in the U.S. election.


If Russia invades Ukraine, it shouldn't rely on the U.S. responding in kind
Analysis: The White House is using a "carrot and the stick" approach, one expert said, to avoid a repeat of Russia's 2014 invasion of Crimea.


Isabel dos Santos: Angolan billionaire hit with US visa restrictions
Isabel dos Santos, daughter of a former Angolan president, is accused of "significant corruption".


U.S. formalizes guidance allowing personal remittances to flow to Afghanistan
The United States on Friday formalized guidance allowing personal remittances to flow to Afghanistan, providing protection to senders and financial institutions from U.S. sanctions on the Taliban as the country faces a deepening humanitarian crisis and economic collapse.

January 6 committee subpoenas Trump-backed congressional candidate | CNN Politics
The House select committee investigating the January 6 riot at the US Capitol issued six additional subpoenas Friday, including one to former aide to former President Donald Trump and current Ohio congressional candidate Max Miller.

Warnock may have a way forward for debt relief for farmers of color
Democratic Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock is trying to find a way around a stalled push for debt relief to farmers of color that aims to make up for lending discrimination by the USDA. What's happening: Warnock, who is running for re-election in 2022, may have found a way around that lawsuit...

Bob Dole funeral: Kansan honored at National Cathedral, World War II Memorial
The life of former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., is again being honored in the nation's capital Friday, with ceremonies at the Washington National Cathedral and the World War II Memorial.

Biden set to make 1st late-night TV appearance as president
President Joe Biden is getting ready for his first late-night TV appearance since taking office. Biden is set to appear Friday on NBC's “The Tonight Show” with comedian Jimmy Fallon.


The ‘Queen of Vegan Cheese’ is trying to change the way we eat to save the planet
Miyoko’s Creamery is producing vegan cheese and butter, using less water and land than dairy alternatives, to try to reverse climate change.

Four-minute delay in Capitol Police gun arrest raises security concerns
A four-minute delay in the Capitol Police arresting a staffer who brought a gun into a House office building Thursday morning has raised new security concerns that could become part of a committee hearing.Why it matters: The incident occurred as the building was being locked down for a visit by...

Recall effort against Seattle socialist appears to fail
A controversial socialist City Councilmember in Seattle appears to have survived a recall vote by a narrow margin.


US hostage envoy visited Venezuela to meet jailed Americans
The Associated Press has learned that a senior U.S. diplomat quietly traveled to Venezuela this week and met with imprisoned Americans in an ongoing effort to secure their release.


Republicans argue Biden's $1.75 trillion social plan would add to deficit
Republicans in the U.S. Congress attacked Democratic President Joe Biden's proposed $1.75 trillion social bill on Friday, releasing a nonpartisan estimate that said it could increase the federal deficit by $3 trillion over a decade if its programs are made permanent.

Texas abortion law case: Gorsuch responds to Sotomayor's claims of 'chilling effect'
Supreme Court justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch clashed over whether the court should have offered relief from Texas' abortion law, with Sotomayor contending it chilled constitutional rights.

Donald Trump uses expletive to attack ex-ally Benjamin Netanyahu
The former president rails against the ex-Israeli leader, saying he saved Israel from destruction.


Presidential approval tracker: How popular is Joe Biden?
Compare Biden’s approval rating with that of Trump, Obama, Bush and Clinton. Updated regularly.


Supreme Court lets Texas abortion law continue but says providers can sue
The Supreme Court left in place Friday a Texas abortion law that bars the procedure after the first six weeks of pregnancy, but the justices said that abortion providers have the right to challenge the law in federal court.

After Jussie Smollett verdict, more court cases await
The jury's guilty verdict that Jussie Smollett faked a racist and homophobic attack isn’t the end of legal proceedings for the former “Empire” actor or others.


After increase in assaults, flight attendants are saying enough is enough
Airline crews brace for holidays facing more unruly passengers than ever before.

Former e-cigarette maker agrees to $50M settlement over marketing to minors
A former e-cigarette maker agreed to a more than $50 million settlement in Massachusetts over marketing its products to minors. The office of Attorney General Maura Healey announced the $51 mi…


Man held in California crash that killed girl, injured kids
A California man has been arrested on suspicion of rear-ending a school bus and then plowing his Cadillac into a group of children walking home, killing a 9-year-old girl and injuring three other youngsters

House Armed Services chair accuses Gillibrand of mischaracterizing military justice reforms in defense policy bill
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) accused Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) of mischaracterizing the military justice reform provisions in the annual defense policy b…


EXPLAINER: What's behind dual defense in Potter trial?
Defense lawyers for suburban Minneapolis police officer Kim Potter say she made a mistake when she drew her handgun instead of her Taser and fatally shot Daunte Wright.


City settles for $5.75 million with those injured in 2020 summer protests
The city of Columbus agrees to pay $5.75 million to peaceful protesters injured in 2020.

Biden highlights concerns for U.S. democracy in tribute to Senator Bob Dole
President Joe Biden highlighted Senator Bob Dole's concerns about U.S. democracy in a tribute on Friday to the former Republican presidential candidate, a World War II veteran Biden called a hero.

EXPLAINER: Why did China woo away Nicaragua from Taiwan?
Nicaragua's decision to sever diplomatic links with Taiwan and recognize China leaves the self-governing island democracy with just 14 diplomatic allies.


Bob Dole celebrated by Biden and national leaders at Washington funeral | CNN Politics
A funeral service and tribute ceremony for the late Kansas Republican Sen. Bob Dole took place in Washington, DC, on Friday, with current and former lawmakers, as well as friends and family, remembering his legacy of public service.


Jill Biden sorts donated toys with military children for annual holiday event
First Lady Jill Biden sorted donated toys with children of service members on Friday at Arlington National Cemetery, participating in the annual Toys for Tots event for the first time.The event at …


Company fined after exposing Montana workers to arsenic
A company that turned mining waste into roofing materials in Montana was fined and ordered to conduct medical monitoring after pleading guilty to exposing its employees to arsenic

Julian Assange can be extradited to the US, court rules
Judges are reassured by US promises to reduce the risk of the Wikileaks founder taking his own life.


Do charges of carpetbagging still matter? A number of 2022 elections may provide an answer | CNN Politics
Political candidates across the country this year have been forced to defend their ties to the states they hope to represent.


Supreme Court keeps Texas abortion law in place but allows providers' legal challenge to proceed
In a separate opinion, the Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to the Texas law brought by the Justice Department.


Trump slams Netanyahu in curse-fueled interview for congratulating Biden: 'F--- him'
Former President Trump accused Benjamin Netanyahu of disloyalty after the former Israeli prime minister congratulated President Biden on his presidential win earlier this year.
‘Trump-hater’ vs. ‘Washington insider’: N.C. Republicans squabble over Senate seat
The GOP Senate primary in North Carolina is heating up this week with a slew of negative ads.

First on CNN: The US gives Bezos, Branson and Shatner their astronaut wings | CNN Politics
The US government is making it official – Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and William Shatner have earned the title of “astronaut” after their flights to the edge of space.


Former NFL star Demaryius Thomas found dead at 33
He finished his 10-year career as one of the most productive wide receivers of his time, a five-time Pro Bowler and the top pass-catcher for the Denver Broncos' 2015 Super Bowl championship team.


State, Pentagon begin reviews of Afghanistan withdrawal
The State Department and Department of Defense have begun reviews into the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan. The State Department’s 90-day review into the withdrawal will “see…


Final goodbye: Recalling influential people who died in 2021
They both carved out sterling reputations as military and political leaders over years of public service.


Compton rapper Slim 400 shot and killed after sharing tribute to Young Dolph
Compton rapper Slim 400 was fatally shot in Inglewood, California, on Wednesday evening, police confirmed to ABC News, hours after he shared a tribute to Young Dolph.

Taylor Swift to face trial in Shake It Off copyright case
The phrase "haters gonna hate" is at the centre of the case, which had previously been dismissed.


Accidental shooting leads police to home with over 70 cats
Police in a New Hampshire town say an accidental shooting led them to a house that was overrun with more than 70 cats and was declared uninhabitable because it was covered with feline feces and urine

Peloton stock slumps after morbid product placement in "Sex and the City"
An unexpected cameo role in "And Just Like That ..." raised health and safety concerns about the device, analysts say.


Michael Nesmith, the Monkee for all seasons, dies at 78
Michael Nesmith, the wool-hatted, guitar-strumming member of the 1960s, made-for-television rock band The Monkees, has died at 78.


British man nearly killed by swarm of otters in Singapore - Washington Examiner
One man was otter-ly shocked by how violent otters can be. A British man in Singapore said he was attacked by a swarm of otters while on a recent morning walk, an incident that left him with approximately 26 bites and puncture wounds. "I didn't move quick enough and they just jumped me and they



Omicron: Three vaccine doses key for protection against variant
UK scientists say two doses of a Covid vaccine are not enough to stop you catching the Omicron variant.


Pandemic mystery: Scientists focus on COVID's animal origins
Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the origin of the virus tormenting the world remains shrouded in mystery.


Omicron updates: COVID-19 cases could double in New York City
As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5.3 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 797,000 Americans.

Boosters give up to 75 percent protection from mild Omicron: UK
Initial real-world data shows that booster COVID-19 jabs protect people against mild disease from the Omicron variant.

Trump-appointed judges question role of vaccines in fight against Covid as they block mandates | CNN Politics
In his order blocking the Biden administration’s health care worker vaccine mandate, US District Judge Terry Doughty spent several sentences laying out – without criticism – the claims of a doctor who falsely said that the Covid-19 vaccine was not effective in preventing transmission of the disease.


New UK mask rules start as Johnson under fire over parties
Tighter restrictions to curb the coronavirus have gone into effect in Britain. Starting Friday, face masks are again compulsory in indoor public spaces in England as part of measures announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to slow the spread of the omicron virus variant.

A year after first U.S. shots, pandemic hallmarks re-emerge
Nearly a year after COVID-19 vaccines were first administered in the United States, the country is returning to many of the hallmarks that defined earlier pandemic life: mask mandates, mass vaccination sites, crowded hospitals and a rising death toll.

FDA, CDC endorse Pfizer boosters for some teens as Omicron spreads
The move came a day after Pfizer and BioNTech announced early data suggesting that their booster can offer enhanced protection against the new strain.


'All options' on the table as Rhode Island sees rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise in Rhode Island as hospitals are strained by staffing shortages.

Chief justice dismisses request to block mask mandate for air travelers - Washington Examiner
Chief Justice John Roberts on Thursday dismissed a request that the Supreme Court hear an emergency challenge to the federal mask mandate for air travel amid a legal battle in lower courts.A lawsuit filed by Florida resident Michael Seklecki against the Transportation Security Administration on...


Minnesota bar owner who dodged governor’s coronavirus mandate found guilty of misdemeanors - Washington Examiner
A Minnesota bar owner who refused to comply with the state's COVID-19 mandate to close her business was found guilty Thursday.Lisa Hanson, owner of Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro in Albert Lea, was found guilty of six criminal misdemeanor charges related to noncompliance with the mandate...

An anti-vaxx Republican official who refused to certify Biden's election win died after being hospitalized with COVID-19
William Hartmann, a Republican member of Michigan's Wayne County Board of Canvassers, shared anti-vax statements on social media.
Biden faces vaccine mandate pushback from own party despite support of scientists
Two Democratic senators push back against president’s rules for large businesses as cases continue to rise in the US Joe Biden talks about Covid vaccines at the White House in Washington DC in November. Photograph: Susan Walsh/AP Two Democratic senators have resisted Joe Biden’s vaccine-or-test...

Los Angeles schools would delay vaccine mandate under new plan
Los Angeles schools would not require children to be vaccinated against the coronavirus until next fall under a proposal announced on Friday, the latest in a series of delays in implementing vaccine mandates in public education in California.

Companies rethink return-to-office plans amid omicron cases
NEW YORK (AP) — Companies of all sizes are rethinking their plans to send workers back to the office as the new omicron variant adds another layer of uncertainty.


Amtrak says it could cut service over vaccination mandate
Amtrak passengers may be facing service cutbacks in January

White House visitor who promoted COVID-19 vaccine wins Time’s entertainer of the year - Washington Examiner
Time magazine announced its entertainer of the year Thursday, and she's spoken at the White House.Pop star Olivia Rodrigo received the title after promoting the COVID-19 vaccine for the Biden administration. Rodrigo, known for songs such as "Drivers License" and "Good 4 You," touted the win on...


These countries went to U.S. lobbyists to get ahead in Biden’s vax distribution plan
Nations are turning to D.C. lobbyists to get the tools they need to fight the pandemic. Global health officials say it’s all that’s wrong with the Covid fight.


New York governor orders masks indoors for businesses without COVID-19 vaccine requirement
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Friday that starting next week, face coverings must be worn inside all businesses and venues unless they have implemented a vaccine requirement, as cases of COVID-19 rise in the state.