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WASHINGTON (AP) — The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection voted Monday to recommend contempt charges against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows as lawmakers revealed a series of frantic texts he received as the attack was underway.

Judge refuses to toss key charge in Capitol riot case
A federal judge has refused to throw out a key charge against two men accused of storming the U.S. Capitol to obstruct Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's electoral victory.


Supreme Court rejects appeal over press access in Wisconsin
The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from a conservative think tank over Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to exclude the group’s writers from press briefings.


Manchin hits Dems' $2T bill as too costly, talks to Biden
Sen. Joe Manchin is signaling anew Monday that he’s still not ready to back his party’s $2 trillion social and environment legislation as party leaders scramble for a pathway to advance the long-stalled package — preferably by Christmas.


January 6 panel unveils text messages to Meadows from Don Jr. and Fox hosts as contempt charge advances | CNN Politics
Donald Trump Jr., Fox News personalities and lawmakers unsuccessfully implored then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on January 6 to get President Donald Trump to stop the violence unfurling at the US Capitol, according to text messages relayed by the House committee investigating the attack.


Tornado outbreak death toll in Kentucky rises to 74
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said his state suffered "the worst tornado event" in its history.


WH aims to restore faith in government by improving services
President Joe Biden has signed an executive order aimed at saving Americans time and frustration when dealing with the federal government.


Sen. Rand Paul's aid request for tornado damage faces backlash
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican, is facing criticism for requesting federal aid for his home state despite his long track record of opposing aid for other regions.

Factory workers threatened with firing if they left before tornado, employees say
Exclusive: At least eight people died in the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory. Its destruction has become a symbol of the tornado's ruinous power.


Appeals court rules against termination of ‘remain in Mexico’ policy | CNN Politics
The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday night ruled against the Biden administration’s bid to terminate the Trump-era “remain in Mexico” policy, which requires non-Mexican migrants to stay in Mexico until their US immigration court dates.


Xi Jinping fears US will try to starve China into submission - Washington Examiner
Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping thinks the United States and its allies could deprive China of food in a crisis, an assessment underpinning a frank call for self-sufficiency.Chinese Communist officials have struggled to feed the country for decades, particularly during Mao Zedong’s Great...


Biden tries to budge Manchin
President Biden spoke to Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) for the second time in a week on Monday in what is becoming an increasingly desperate last-minute effort to cajole him into voting for a sweeping…


China warns US it will ‘strike back’ for ‘reckless’ sanctions
China calls on US to ‘immediately withdraw’ its latest sanctions on people and entities tied to alleged rights abuses.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/...nt-jan-6-texts-from-trump-jr-lawmakers-524188

Meadows texts show Hannity, Don Jr. wanted Trump to stop Jan. 6 riot
As rioters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, several leading Fox News pundits and Donald Trump’s eldest son all voiced desperate concerns that the former president was doing nothing to quell…


Texas school board tries censuring conservative members: 'Naked political hit job'
Amy Weir, president of the Round Rock Independent School District Board of Trustees, agreed to place on the agenda two resolutions against her conservative colleagues, Mary Bone and Danielle Weston, following their complaints that the school district had violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by...

Donald Trump Jr. said his father needed to ‘condemn’ Capitol violence as it unfolded, Meadows’ texts reveal | CNN Politics
Donald Trump Jr. said in a series of text messages to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows that his father needed to “condemn” the US Capitol insurrection as it unfolded.


Thousands without heat, water after tornadoes kill dozens
Kentucky's governor says at least 74 people were killed in the state during a devastating cluster of tornadoes.


Appeals court weighs House push to obtain Trump’s financial records
A federal appeals court on Monday grappled with former President Trump’s effort to block a Democrat-led congressional committee in its renewed push to obtain his personal financial recor…


Fox News hosts, Donald Trump Jr. asked Meadows to get Trump to call off rioters, House panel reveals
Laura Ingraham, Brian Kilmeade, Sean Hannity and the president's eldest son all texted Meadows on Jan. 6, members of the committee investigating the Capitol riot said.


Study: Winter tornadoes to get more powerful as world warms
A new study says winter tornadoes, like the devastating one that hit five states last week, are likely to be stronger and stay on the ground longer as the world warms
Video: Cheney reveals multiple Fox News hosts texted Meadows Jan. 6

Thwaites: Antarctic glacier heading for dramatic change
Scientists say a section at the front of Thwaites Glacier could soon "shatter like a car windscreen".


Conservative group targets Tester, Sinema, Kelly
A conservative group is partnering with Republican governors to pressure Democratic senators to oppose President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda. The Coalition to Protect American …


No troops disciplined in US strike killing Afghan civilians
U.S. defense officials say no U.S. troops involved in the August drone strike that killed innocent Kabul civilians and children will face disciplinary action.


Opinion | Why Liberals Are the Only Ones Who Care Chris Wallace Left Fox
The right-wing network won’t miss a beat without his brand of news.

Supreme Court declines to decide if governor may exclude conservative think tank from press events
The appeal raised questions about who should be considered a news reporter when the internet and advocacy journalism have blurred the line.

Derek Chauvin to plead guilty to federal civil rights charges in George Floyd's death
Derek Chauvin was convicted on three counts in the death of George Floyd. He will now plead guilty on federal civil rights charges.

Record-breaking number of guns confiscated by TSA in 2021
Nearly 5,700 firearms have been confiscated so far in 2021. The previous high was 4,400 in 2019.


Experts say climate can contribute to tornado ‘ingredients’
Warm temperatures may have helped set the stage for the deadly tornadoes that devastated several states and left at least 74 dead in Kentucky, but experts say they can’t directly attribu…


Kim Potter trial: What to expect in week 2
The Kim Potter trial enters its second week with a long list of potential witnesses. Daunte Wright's father is expected to testify.

‘Hurting all of us’: Meadows texts show Trump Jr. and Fox personalities clamoring for response to Capitol riot - Washington Examiner
The House committee investigating the Capitol riot presented text messages that key allies to former President Donald Trump sent to former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on Jan. 6. The text messages, read before the panel voted to hold Meadows in contempt of Congress, revealed Donald...

Meadows: Jan. 6 contempt vote is about "going after" Donald Trump
Mark Meadows defended his and former President's Trump's actions around the Jan. 6 insurrection, telling Fox News' Sean Hannity they did nothing "nefarious" and wanted to make sure "everything was safe and secure." The state of play: “This is not about me, holding me in contempt. It’s not even...
As Olympics open, Uyghurs set to take rights case to court
China’s treatment of its Uyghur minority could come before the courts in Argentina at about the same time that the Winter Olympics open on Feb. 4 in Beijing. Michael Polak, a British lawyer representing the World Uyghur Congress and the Uyghur Human Rights Project, is preparing a “universal...

WATCH: Assange’s brother says Julian ‘will most likely die’ if extradited - Washington Examiner
Julian Assange’s brother, Gabriel Shipton, told Tucker Carlson he would fear for his brother’s life if Assange is extradited. “Prisoners cannot be kept safe in [U.S.] prison. Even the most high-profile prisoners, like Jeffrey Epstein, couldn’t be kept safe in prison. So, what hope will Julian...


Defense claims politics behind indictment of Rep. Jeff Fortenberry
A federal judge in Los Angeles heard arguments on the Nebraska Republican’s bid to toss out the criminal false-statement case.

McConnell praises Biden's "rapid support" for Kentucky after tornadoes
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Monday praised President Biden for his "rapid support" in the wake of deadly tornadoes that tore through several states, including Kentucky.Driving the news: The confirmed death toll from weekend tornadoes and storms that hit western Kentucky has...

Champagne, Mr. Monopoly and Omerta: Meet Peter Miller, the flashy Instagram user accused of insider trading
Peter Miller, the head of Omerta Capital, has been indicted in an alleged insider trading scheme. His Instagram account reveals a flashy, expensive lifestyle.
Official: License for Noem's daughter got unusual treatment
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s daughter received unusual treatment in an application for her real estate appraiser license, including an extra opportunity to obtain it after failing to meet federal requirements, the former director of a state appraiser agency told lawmakers Tuesday. Sherry...

Publicist was ‘not associated with’ Kanye West when she pressured election worker, West spokesperson says
A publicist accused of pressuring a Georgia election worker to confess to false allegations of voting fraud was not "associated" with Kanye West at the time.

Jan. 7 sentencing set for men convicted in Arbery killing
Prosecutors chose not to seek the death penalty in the case of Ahmaud Arbery’s slaying.

Jake Sullivan to visit Israel next week to discuss Iran
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to travel to Israel next week for discussions on Iran as negotiations continue in Vienna on a possible return to the 2015 nuclear deal, three senior Israeli officials tell Axios.Why it matters: The Israeli government is concerned...

Hannity avoids talking about his Jan. 6 text during interview with Meadows - Washington Examiner
Fox News host Sean Hannity interviewed Mark Meadows about the Capitol riot committee's investigation but declined to discuss how, hours earlier, the panel revealed a text message from Hannity urging Meadows to get former President Donald Trump to make a statement to stop the violence on Jan. 6...

U.S. Senate to vote Tuesday on raising government's debt limit
The U.S. Senate will vote on Tuesday to raise the federal government's $28.9 trillion limit debt limit, avoiding an unprecedented default as soon as later this month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday. "The Senate will act tomorrow to prevent default," Schumer, a Democrat...

China warns US it will ‘strike back’ for ‘reckless’ sanctions
China calls on US to ‘immediately withdraw’ its latest sanctions on people and entities tied to alleged rights abuses.

Analysis: An existential threat runs into political realities of US democracy | CNN Politics
The devastation from this weekend’s tornadoes was a stark reminder of the future that awaits humans on this planet, when weird weather is increasingly unpredictable and severe.


Meadows on election night call to Fox News editor: ‘I’m surprised I didn’t crack the screen of my iPhone’
Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said he was so angry after Fox News’s decision to call Arizona for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden on election night 2020 that h…


Before and after photos show scale of tornado destruction in Kentucky, Illinois and Arkansas
Satellite images detail scenes of devastation from the rare December tornadoes that hit multiple states and killed at least 74 people.


US tornadoes: Is climate change to blame?
Are tornadoes becoming more frequent, dangerous or unpredictable - and is the changing climate to blame?


Fourteen members of Congress reportedly violated stock trade reporting law - Washington Examiner
More than a dozen lawmakers in the House and Senate are being accused of violating an anti-corruption law. Business Insider said it uncovered a litany of violations of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, or STOCK Act, and dozens of other instances in which lawmakers and their top...


Indonesia cites strong US commitment as Blinken starts ASEAN tour
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to deliver a speech Tuesday in Jakarta on Washington’s approach to Indo-Pacific.

Opinion | Why my grandfather's story haunts the U.S.-Iran relationship to this day
His murder scarred my family and shocked the world. It also exacerbated the deep political break between Washington and Tehran.

Biden orders US agencies to improve passport renewal, airport screenings, other services
The White House says passport renewal, filing taxes and getting through airport security could become easier under a new executive order.

'It will be Ukrainian blood, it will be Russian blood'


Deadly tornadoes in South and Midwest: Biden declares state of emergency in Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee
At least 88 people across five U.S. states have been confirmed dead after a swarm of tornadoes tore through communities in the South and the Midwest.

Larry Nassar abuse survivors to receive $380m settlement
Hundreds of women abused by the ex-US gymnastics team doctor reach a settlement with USA Gymnastics.

U.S. former officials urge 'speedy' resolution of 5G wireless aviation dispute
Six former chairs of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday urged the Biden administration to quickly resolve a dispute over the planned use of 5G wireless spectrum that the aviation industry says poses an air safety risk. Former FCC chairs Ajit Pai, Tom Wheeler, Julius...

Spain orders 30,000 people to seal themselves indoors as volcano spews toxic gas
Spanish authorities order about 30,000 people on La Palma island to lockdown as volcano erupting for months springs violently back to life.


'Dr. Oz Show' will end in 2022 amid host's Senate bid
The long-running daytime TV show will end in its 13th season as Mehmet Oz makes a run for the U.S. Senate.


Meadows attorney tells Jan. 6 Committee contempt charge would be ‘manifestly unjust'
Mark Meadows' lawyer says that the Jan. 6 Committee would be "unwise" to pursue a criminal contempt of Congress referral against him.

White House adds two key coordinators to implement $1 trillion infrastructure law
An Amazon executive and a top official at Center for American Progress have been appointed to coordinate the implementation of the new infrastructure law.


Biden plan seeks to jumpstart rollout of electric vehicle charging stations
The plan would build 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles across the country.


Manchin signals major changes needed to win his support on Biden’s safety net plan | CNN Politics
Sen. Joe Manchin, the most pivotal swing vote in the Senate, indicated on Monday that a significant amount of work remains to be done to earn his support for President Joe Biden’s sweeping social safety net expansion, potentially delivering a fatal blow to Democratic leaders’ hopes of getting...

Hannity Hosts Meadows After Their Bombshell Text Drop, Ignores It Completely
Viewers watching Hannity’s show on Monday night would have had no idea that the Fox star was texting Mark Meadows as the Capitol riots raged, begging Trump to stop the violence.
www.thedailybeast.com

Amazon criticised over safety at tornado-hit warehouse
The firm said events happened quickly at the Illinois site and it was "deeply saddened" by the deaths.


‘Hundreds of thousands’ of nonviolent Trump supporters find voice in two Jan. 6 committee witnesses - Washington Examiner
Two people involved in the planning of the main rally preceding the Capitol riot on Jan. 6 said they will cooperate with the House committee investigating the chaos.Political operatives Dustin Stockton and his fiance, Jennifer Lawrence, who were subpoenaed for documents and testimony by the...

U.S. Senate panel to hold hearing on Biden auto-safety agency pick
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday is set to hold a confirmation hearing on President Joe Biden's nominee to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency without a permanent leader for nearly five years. The Democratic president's nominee is Steven...

WATCH: Joy Behar renames Fox News to ‘QAnon News’ after Wallace exit - Washington Examiner
The View co-host Joy Behar tried her hand at renaming Fox News today. Among her suggested names was "QAnon News." Chris Wallace’s exit from Fox News was the topic of discussion as co-host Whoopi Goldberg asked what would become of the cable news network without Wallace. Behar interjected, “You...


Christie blames events leading up to Jan. 6 on Trump ‘C-team players’
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said that the events leading up to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol were “driven from the top” and executed by “C-team players”…


Ransomware attack strikes Virginia state legislative agency
A Virginia legislative branch agency was struck by a ransomware attack, according to the office of Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.

American Anne Sacoolas to face U.K. court over crash that killed teenager Harry Dunn
Sacoolas is accused of killing 19-year-old Harry Dunn in a collision outside an air base in eastern England used by U.S. forces in 2019.


Kentucky tornadoes: Race to find missing in flattened US towns
A baby is among 74 now confirmed dead, with more than 100 still missing, Governor Andy Beshear said.


US will not punish troops for deadly Kabul drone attack
Pentagon says it does ‘not anticipate issues of personal accountability’ over bombing that killed 10 Afghan civilians.

Chicago expected to pay woman $2.9M over botched police raid
The Chicago City Council is expected to approve a $2.9 million settlement to a woman who was handcuffed while naked by police officers during a botched 2019 raid of her home

Appeals court wary of Trump’s arguments for throwing out House subpoena of his financial docs | CNN Politics
A federal appeals court sounded dubious Monday of arguments put forward by former President Donald Trump for why a House subpoena for his financial records should be wholly invalidated.

Mark Meadows used his own cellphone, 2 personal Gmail accounts, and Signal for official White House business, January 6 committee says
The House committee investigating the Capitol riot is expected to vote to hold Meadows in criminal contempt of Congress for refusing to be deposed.

'Stop the Steal' organizer cooperating with Jan. 6 committee probe, sits for 8-hour interview
Ali Alexander, a prominent conservative activist who organized "Stop the Steal" rallies after the 2020 election, is cooperating with the House Jan. 6 select committee.

Biden admin reveals 60 finalists for $1B in economic grants
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has announced 60 finalists for $1 billion in economic development grants tied to the Biden administration’s coronavirus relief package.


Biden to tour tornado damage in Kentucky on Wednesday
President Joe Biden says he will travel to Kentucky on Wednesday to view damage from last week’s devastating tornadoes that killed dozens of people and displaced thousands more.


There isn't much racial diversity among financial regulators
Among the 327 people who have sat on the governing board of financial regulatory agencies, only 10 have been Black.


Kentucky candle factory workers claim supervisors threatened firings if they left before twister hit: Report - Washington Examiner
Several employees at a candle factory destroyed by a tornado Friday night in Mayfield, Kentucky, claim their jobs were at risk if they left before the dangerous twister hit, according to a report. Some workers left anyway out of fear for their safety. The factory was eventually destroyed with...

There have been zero Black female governors in U.S. history. 2022 may change that.
Five Black women are chasing history this midterm election cycle by running for governor. The candidates are seeking a diverse range of governorships, in states known for their progressive politics as well as historically conservative states with a long and complicated history with Black Americans.

Dawson Springs mother clutched her 2 kids in bed when the storm lifted her mattress into the air | CNN
That Breeana Glisson and her two children are still alive after a tornado tore through Dawson Springs, Kentucky, on Friday night seems like a miracle.


Kentucky factory workers say their jobs were threatened if they left shifts ahead of deadly tornado
Workers at the Kentucky candle factory that was destroyed in a deadly tornado said supervisors threatened employees that they would be fired if they left their shifts early, NBC News reported. …


Fact check: Several news outlets inaccurately reported key detail of Meadows story about Trump and protesters | CNN Politics
Several news outlets inaccurately reported a key detail of a story told by former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in the book he released last week, “The Chief’s Chief.”

'Anything is possible,' Manchin says after talks with Biden on $1.75 trln bill
Democratic Senator Joe Manchin was noncommittal on Monday after discussions with President Joe Biden about a key $1.75 trillion social spending bill, but said "anything is possible" when asked if the bill could pass before Christmas. Manchin, a moderate who has stood as a stumbling block to...

Apology to US teachers over 'dash for cash' charity stunt
The US bank that donated the cash said they will give more after the "degrading and insulting" event.


John Kerry lauds Europe's progress on climate change, and reassures EU leaders the U.S. is committed
President Biden's special envoy for climate change was on a whistle-stop tour in Europe to reassure partners that the U.S. is back, and it means business.


California proposes reducing incentives for rooftop solar
Californians who decide to install home solar panels and storage systems would get lower discounts on their energy bills under a proposal released by state regulators that would lengthen to a decade the time it takes to recoup the costs of installation

Senate whistleblower report alleges oversight problems with aerospace industry safety
A Senate whistleblower report released on Monday alleges a number of oversight problems involving safety in the aerospace industry.The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation rele…


Progressive Army vet, congressional candidate stripped in anti-war burlesque show
A progressive New York City Democrat looking to represent Staten Island in Congress advertises an anti-war platform on her campaign website, but that message was made perfectly clear when she nearly bared all in an anti-war burlesque show in Brooklyn.

Truck driver sentenced to 110 years in Colorado wreck that killed 4
Rogel Aguilera-Mederos said his brakes were not working before his big rig slammed into stopped traffic on a highway, causing vehicles to burst into flames.


USA Gymnastics, USOPC reach $380M settlement with victims
USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee have reached a $380 million settlement with hundreds of victims of sexual abuse.


Oxford Middle School closes for day due to social media threat after deadly shooting
Oxford Community Schools announced it is closing its middle school Tuesday due to a social media threat.

DOT renews fight with airlines over fees
The Department of Transportation is planning to propose a rule that would require ancillary airline fees to be made clear when a ticket is purchased.


Former pro wrestler Jimmy Rave dies after triple amputation, struggles with addiction
Rave, whose career began in 1999, won multiple championships titles.


Famous LA shopping center adds barbed-wire-like fence to deter smash and grabs | CNN Business
As a recent wave of mob-led store robberies has put retailers, mall operators and communities on edge, one popular shopping center is keeping an unusual security measure in place through the holiday season.


Top US diplomat says China needs more ambitious climate goal
The top U.S. diplomat in China says the countries had a very good year for collaboration on dealing with climate change, but Washington is still pushing Beijing to adopt more ambitious carbon reduction goals.


Canada offers up to $40bn to compensate indigenous children
It comes after a lengthy legal battle over the abuse of native children held in government care.


U.S. imports from Russia approach pre-2014 invasion levels
As Russian troops mass on the country’s border with Ukraine, U.S. imports from the Eurasian giant are on track to reach about $30 billion this year.


McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas to be renamed after Harry Reid
Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport will officially be re-dubbed as Harry Reid International Airport this week.
www.usatoday.com

AP seeks answers from US gov't on tracking of journalists
The Associated Press is seeking answers from the Department of Homeland Security on its use of sensitive government databases for tracking international terrorists to investigate as many as 20 American journalists, including an acclaimed AP reporter.


Kim Jong Un's decade of rule: Purges, nukes, Trump diplomacy
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Friday marks 10 years since Kim Jong Un, the third generation of his family to rule North Korea, took power after his father's sudden heart attack.


Senate confirms first Korean American woman as federal appeals judge
The Senate on Monday confirmed Lucy Koh to serve on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, making her the first Korean American woman to become a federal appellate judge.Senators voted 50-45 o…


Texts show Trump Jr., Fox News hosts pleaded with Meadows: Get Trump to stop Capitol attack
The committee argued that Meadows was "uniquely" situated to aid their inquiry.
Herschel Walker confronts his mental health, domestic violence allegations
Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker told Axios on Monday that he’s “accountable” for past violent behavior toward his ex-wife and people shouldn’t feel “ashamed” about confronting mental health issues.Why it matters: The former college and pro football star is confronting his history of...

Medicare urged to flex its power and slash back premium hike
The head of a Senate panel that oversees Medicare says the Biden administration should cut back a hefty premium increase soon to hit millions of enrollees.


Durbin cuts off witness from conservative group during Chicago gun violence hearing
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., attempted multiple times to cut off testimony from a conservative group's witness during a hearing on violence in Chicago.

Search continues for missing woman who vanished after trip to a Costco in Fresno, California
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Samantha’s safe return.


Canada apologises for 'scourge' of military sexual misconduct
Eleven of Canada's top brass have been removed from their posts in connection with sexual misconduct.


Harris announces private investments in Central America
Vice President Kamala Harris is announcing $1.2 billion in commitments from international businesses to support the economies and social infrastructure of Central American nations.


Insurer agrees to $800M settlement in Boy Scouts bankruptcy
Attorneys in the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy case have reached a tentative settlement under which one of the organization’s largest insurers would contribute $800 million into a fund for victims of child sexual abuse.


Israeli Prime Minister meets with Abu Dhabi crown prince in historic visit
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed as he made a historic first official visit by any Israeli leader to the UAE.“I’…


DeSantis still brings in money while Fried falters


Biden admin admits it left hundreds more US citizens behind in Afghanistan after chaotic withdrawal
The Biden administration on Monday said it has evacuated nearly 500 U.S. citizens from Afghanistan since the U.S.'s chaotic withdrawal on Aug. 31 while fewer than a dozen U.S. citizens who want to leave are still stuck there.

Chrystia Freeland's one-two punch


Indonesia lifts tsunami alert after powerful undersea quake
Indonesia has lifted a tsunami alert following a magnitude 7.3 undersea earthquake that struck off Flores Island, triggering panic in a region prone to fatal quakes.


Harris unveils plan for electric vehicle charging network
The Biden administration has released a federal strategy to build 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles across the country and ultimately transform the U.S. auto industry.


White House says there are a 'range of reasons' for increase in crime stemming from COVID pandemic
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that there are a “range of reasons” for the increase in crime and smash-and-grab robberies in cities across the nation that stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic, dodging a question on whether “soft on crime” policies are to blame.

Srinagar: Three dead, 11 injured in militant attack on police bus
Three militants fired at a bus carrying policemen in capital Srinagar on Monday, officials said.


High court won't hear Mississippi lawsuit over talcum powder
The Supreme Court has turned away a request by Johnson & Johnson to halt a Mississippi lawsuit over its talcum powder products.


Storm victims include Missouri girl, aunt's 'special angel'
As storms roared across five states, one of the dozens of people killed was a 9-year-old southeast Missouri girl who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading.


January 6 committee spells out Meadows' efforts to help Trump flip election and Meadows' actions before and during insurrection
The committee is set to recommend contempt charges against the former White House chief of staff, and released a report on what it says he did ahead of its vote.


Jan. 6 panel votes for contempt charges against Mark Meadows
The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection has voted to pursue contempt charges against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.


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.
WH aims to restore faith in government by improving services
President Joe Biden signed an executive order Monday aimed at rebuilding the public's trust in government by making it easier to do things like renew passports, apply for Social Security benefits and get aid after natural disasters. The idea is to put the public and customer service at the...

Thousands without heat, water after tornadoes kill dozens
Kentucky's governor says at least 74 people were killed in the state during a devastating cluster of tornadoes.


On The Trail: Trump-inspired challengers target GOP governors
Former President Trump has remade much of the Republican Party in his image by nurturing and promoting a coterie of bomb-throwing performance artists in the House and Senate more interested in owni…


As Dems sprint against the clock, child tax credit might slip away
“It’s as important a thing as there is” in the party's social spending bill, as one senator put it. And it's expiring any day now.


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.

Ukrainian troops huddle in no man’s land watching Russian forces amass
“We have trenches with guys, they have trenches with guys,” a soldier said. “If Russia starts a war, of course we will have casualties, and also they will have casualties.”


The AP Interview: Taliban seek ties with US, other ex-foes
A top Taliban leader says Afghanistan’s new rulers are committed in principle to education and jobs for girls and women and have learned lessons from their previous time in power.

Poll: 69% of Americans disapprove of Biden's handling of inflation
69% of Americans disapprove of President Biden's handling of inflation, according to an ABC News-Ipsos poll published Sunday.Why it matters: When broken down along party lines, 71% of independents disapprove and a slim majority of Democratic voters (54%) approve of Biden's handling of inflation...

First lady Jill Biden dismisses concerns about president's mental fitness: 'Ridiculous'
First lady Jill Biden dismissed concerns about President Biden's mental fitness as “ridiculous," during an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning.”

Democrats face time crunch as they race to finalize Biden plan
Democrats are hitting a make-or-break week in their ambitious effort to pass President Biden’s climate and social spending bill by Christmas. Democrats have just 10 days to meet their se…


Putin says he drove taxi after Soviet fall to make ends meet
In new film, Russian President Putin describes the collapse of the Soviet Union as a ‘tragedy’ for most citizens.

Kentucky resumes counting the dead from barrage of tornadoes
Rescue workers resumed combing through debris on Monday in the scant hope of finding survivors from a battery of deadly tornadoes that tore through six states, with Kentucky officials trying to determine just how many people died.


Analysis: An existential threat runs into political realities of US democracy | CNN Politics
The devastation from this weekend’s tornadoes was a stark reminder of the future that awaits humans on this planet, when weird weather is increasingly unpredictable and severe.


This week: Democrats try to clear deck for Build Back Better
Democrats are trying to clear the deck as they prepare to try to pass President Biden’s climate and social spending plan by the end of the year. Democrats started December with four major item…


Fed to pivot on inflation fears in the face of another uncertain year
The U.S. Federal Reserve, stung by persistently high inflation and encouraged by lower-than-expected unemployment, is set on Wednesday to chart a path of higher interest rates next year as policymakers show their hands on just how soon and how much they think borrowing costs will need to...


Old St. Chuck? Schumer under pressure to deliver by Christmas
The Senate Democratic leader wants to wrap up the $1.7 trillion social spending bill for the holiday — which may well prove impossible.


Democrats worry their grip on Hispanic vote is loosening
Democrats are worried they could be losing their electoral grip on Hispanics, the country’s second-largest voter bloc by ethnicity. A Wall Street Journal poll released last week showed Hispan…

Trump’s Dark-Money Machine Gets a Makeover—and New Owners
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/GettyWhile ex-President Donald Trump spent the last year licking his election wounds and consolidating power in the Republican Party, his allies were busy reconfiguring a constellation of outside spending groups that have helped bankroll his...

Sen. Klobuchar pivots to honor Bob Dole when Jake Tapper asks if mask-less Ted Cruz endangered her
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., deflected a question from CNN anchor Jake Tapper on Sunday regarding whether she felt endangered by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, when he sat next to her without a mask at the National Cathedral last week.

Juan Williams: The GOP is an anti-America party
OPINION: Today’s Republican Party poses an active danger to our society.


States’ high courts poised to draw new congressional maps
State supreme courts are increasingly being charged with drawing new map lines in gridlocked states and policing partisan gerrymandering.


Analysis: Accusers place Ghislaine Maxwell at center of Epstein's abuse, experts say
Two weeks of emotional, explicit testimony at Ghislaine Maxwell's sex abuse trial from four women who said the British socialite groomed them as teenagers for deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein could largely undercut the defense's argument that prosecutors are using Maxwell as a scapegoat, legal...


Glimmer of relief amid deadly tornadoes' devastation
Ninety feared dead in a Kentucky candle factory actually survived, the company says. But the confirmed death toll of 25 in several Midwestern and Southern states seems certain to rise.

Cherokee Nation was promised a House seat 180 years ago. They still don't have it.
The principal chief of the Cherokee Nation told "Axios on HBO" it's time for Congress to make good on a 19th century treaty by seating Kim Teehee as the Cherokee people's first nonvoting U.S. House delegate.What they're saying: "The president of the United States agreed to this 180 years ago,"...

Cost of war: Myanmar rebels crowdfund resistance to military coup
National Unity Government has launched fundraising schemes to support its campaign to overthrow the military government.

Australia and South Korea ink $680 million defense deal
Australia and South Korea entered a $680 million dollar defense agreement on Monday, the largest ever between the two countries.Per the agreement, Hanwha, a South Korean defense company, will provi…


Pelosi will stay around to lead House Democrats through the next election – and perhaps beyond | CNN Politics
Speaker Nancy Pelosi will stay until at least after the midterm elections, extending her nearly 20-year run as the House’s top Democrat after she turns 82 and, perhaps, beyond.


James Webb Space Telescope: Looking back in time to catch the earliest starlight in creation
Scott Pelley reports on the James Webb Space Telescope, due to launch December 22. Scientists hope it will be able to see the universe's first stars and galaxies.


‘Who is he?’ The X-factor relationship that could soon rule the House
Hakeem Jeffries and Kevin McCarthy may well lead their parties in the lower chamber come 2023. But their relationship is a black box.


North Korea's Kim at a critical crossroads a decade into his rule
As North Korea's dictator marks a milestone on Friday, he might be facing his toughest moment yet, as crushing sanctions, the pandemic and growing economic trouble converge

Democrats Are Solidly Behind Biden. There's No Consensus About a Plan B.
NEW ORLEANS — Addressing reporters at a meeting of the Democratic Governors Association, Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina gave an emphatic answer when asked whether he expected President Joe Biden to seek a second term — and whether he believed that was in the best interests of his party. “I...

Meadows said National Guard would be ready to ‘protect pro Trump people’ before Capitol insurrection, House investigators say | CNN Politics
Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows sent an email saying the National Guard would be present to ‘protect pro Trump people’ in the lead up to the US Capitol insurrection, according to a new report released by the January 6 committee Sunday night.


France resists US challenge to its values
The government is fighting back at what it sees as imported cultural ideas from the UK and US.


Getting child tax credit to lowest-income parents proves challenging | CNN Politics
When the child tax credit was temporarily expanded this spring, Democrats repeatedly touted that it would help cut child poverty nearly in half. But that depended in part on the monthly payments getting to American families with incomes so low they don’t have to file taxes.


Russia explosion: Teen detonates device at Orthodox convent school
A number of people were injured after the blast at an Orthodox school near a nunnery outside Moscow.


'I can't believe I'm even here,' candle factory survivor says
Mark Saxton opened an outside door, saw the swirling cloud and stepped back, and suddenly the walls imploded.


POLITICO Playbook: All eyes on the Joes
And Nancy Pelosi plays down retirement rumors.


Meadows said National Guard would be ready to ‘protect pro Trump people’ before Capitol insurrection, House investigators say | CNN Politics
Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows sent an email saying the National Guard would be present to ‘protect pro Trump people’ in the lead up to the US Capitol insurrection, according to a new report released by the January 6 committee Sunday night.


Hong Kong: Media tycoon Jimmy Lai gets 13 months jail for Tiananmen vigil
Jimmy Lai and seven others are jailed for marking the Tiananmen massacre in Beijing in 1989.


White House cut Taiwanese official’s video feed over map: report
After a Taiwanese minister showed a map that labeled Taiwan in a different color than China during President Biden’s “Summit for Democracy” last week, the video of her presentatio…


'A way we resist': Quilts honor victims of racial violence
A quilt exhibit at Jackson State University honors dozens of lives lost in the U.S. to racial violence.


Kentucky tornadoes: 'It was beautiful and now it's trash'
Residents return to areas hit hard by powerful tornadoes to find their homes and belongings in ruins.


Big California storm dumps snow, drenches parched regions
Motorists spun out on whitened mountain passes and residents wielded umbrellas that flopped in the face of fierce winds as Northern California absorbed even more rain and snow Monday.


Graham says Democrats must ‘quit lying’ about Build Back Better, calls for House to revote
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) on Sunday said Democrats must “quit lying” about the cost of the Build Back Better Act and called for the House to revote on the massive social spe…


How Bangladesh’s poor are paying the costs of climate damage
With limited formal climate finance available for adaptation efforts, nation’s poor forced to pay from their pockets.
Gary Black puts it on the line in Georgia GOP Senate primary against local folk hero - Washington Examiner
Gary Black has assumed the daunting task of running against an icon in his bid for the Republican nomination for Senate in Georgia.And no, Black’s challenge is not just that he is running against the Republican endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Black’s challenge lies in who that...


Mixed feelings as India farmers vacate protest sites near capital
While many feel victorious after forcing government to withdraw farm laws, others lament deaths during year-long stir.

The ultra-violent cult that became a global mafia
A BBC investigation into Black Axe has unearthed new evidence of political infiltration, and a scamming and killing operation spanning the globe.
www.bbc.co.uk

Miss India wins Miss Universe held in Israel amid boycott calls
Sandhu, a 21-year-old model, tops a field of some 80 contestants in a pageant that was touched by politics and pandemic.


California brings back mask mandate as virus cases rise
California is bringing back a statewide indoor mask mandate

Air Force discharges 27 for refusal to get COVID vaccine
The Air Force has discharged 27 people for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, making them what officials believe are the first service members to be removed for disobeying the mandate to get the shots.


COVID-19 updates: Elizabeth Warren tests positive
As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5.3 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 806,000 Americans.

Justices won't block vaccine mandate for NY health workers
The Supreme Court has refused to halt a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for health care workers in New York that does not offer an exemption for religious reasons.


NFL requiring COVID-19 booster shots by Dec. 27
The NFL is requiring players, coaches and other team personnel to receive a COVID-19 booster by Dec. 27

Congress to mark 800K American COVID deaths with moment of silence
Congressional leaders will hold a moment of silence Tuesday to mark the more than 800,000 Americans who have died because of COVID-19.

India’s Gujarat admits to more COVID deaths than official tally
The acknowledgement lends weight to fears that the country’s actual toll is much higher than reported.

COVID vaccination requirements may successfully increase vaccination rates: Study
A new medical study found that proof of vaccine requirements for businesses led to an increase in people getting their shots.

‘General Hospital’ actor sues ABC over vaccine mandate
Former “General Hospital” actor Ingo Rademacher has filed a lawsuit against ABC, arguing that the network’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which last month cost him his job on the daytim…


Doctors expected MIS-C cases to surge after the delta wave. They didn't.
The delta variant caused Covid cases in children to skyrocket, putting pediatricians on high alert for a rise in a rare inflammatory condition.


The pandemic news that hit home
While getting more Americans vaccinated (and boosted) is a top priority for the Biden administration, no one news event in 2021 seemed to move the needle substantially.


ABD trims developing Asia’s growth forecast on Omicron fears
Manila-based development bank forecasts slower growth for China, India following emergence of new coronavirus variant.

Omicron is spreading fast. That’s alarming even if it’s mild | CNN
The Omicron variant of coronavirus is spreading quickly in several countries where it has hit. Even if it causes only mild disease – and that’s far from certain – that’s alarming.


Health care workers in Minnesota are 'overwhelmed,' 'heartbroken,' executives say
The executives of nine large health care providers said their emergency rooms are over capacity and their hospital beds are filled.


COVID issues prompt NBA to postpone Bulls' next 2 games
The NBA has postponed the Chicago Bulls’ next two games, with 10 of the team’s players in the league’s health and safety protocols

Philadelphia to require vaccine proof for indoor dining
Philadelphia is the latest large city to require proof of vaccination to dine indoors. City officials announced Monday that vaccination proof will be required starting Jan. 3 for bars, restaurants, indoor sporting events, movie theatres and other places where people eat indoors close to each other.


One year of vaccines: Many lives saved, many needlessly lost
The first full year of the biggest vaccination drive in American history has saved many lives but has left many behind.


Tracking Covid-19 cases in the US
Track the spread of coronavirus in the United States with maps and updates on cases and deaths.

Booster blitz: UK races to get ahead of surging omicron
Long lines have formed for booster shots across England as the U.K. government urged all adults to protect themselves against the omicron variant.


Nobody knows who invented cheese | CNN
This week travel restrictions tightened further around the world, but there is solace to be found in London’s cocktail bars and Europe’s excellent cheeses. Here’s what happened in travel this week.


Fauci: Americans may 'just have to deal with' more COVID-19 vaccine booster shots
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci said that Americans will “just have to deal with” the prospect of getting more coronavirus vaccine booster shots.

Washington DC reports first cases of omicron variant
Washington D.C.’s health department announced its first cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant on Sunday. Officials confirmed that three women and one man in the city contr…

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