
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon ordered 8,500 troops on higher alert Monday to potentially deploy to Europe as part of a NATO “response force” amid growing concern that Russia could soon make a military move on Ukraine. President Joe Biden consulted with key European leaders, underscoring U.S. solidarity with allies there.

Biden answers inflation query by calling Fox reporter SOB
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden responded to a question about inflation on Monday by calling a Fox News reporter a vulgarity. The president was in the East Room of the White House for a meeting of his Competition Council, which is focused on changing regulations and enforcing laws to help...

Judges approve special grand jury in Georgia election probe
ATLANTA (AP) — Judges have approved a request for a special grand jury by the Georgia prosecutor who's investigating whether former President Donald Trump and others broke the law by trying to pressure Georgia officials to throw out Joe Biden's presidential election victory.

Fed to signal rate hike as it launches risky inflation fight
With inflation punishing consumers and threatening the economy, the Federal Reserve will likely signal its intent this week to begin raising interest rates in March for the first time in three years

Defense: Chauvin called ‘all of the shots’ when Floyd killed
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Prosecutors in the trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights accused the men Monday of standing by as fellow Officer Derek Chauvin “slowly killed George Floyd right in front of them.”

Democrat says Tucker Carlson viewers telling his office US should side with Russia
A House Democrat asserted Monday that people have called his office claiming to be Fox News viewers and telling him the U.S. should be "siding with Russia" as tensions between Russia and Ukraine intensify.

Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissions
The conservative-dominated Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to the consideration of race in college admissions, adding affirmative action to major cases on abortion, guns, religion and COVID-19 already on the agenda.


Ethics office says Reps. Newman, Lamborn may have broken law
WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional ethics watchdog has concluded that U.S. Reps. Marie Newman of Illinois and Doug Lamborn of Colorado may have violated federal law, prompting reviews from the House Ethics Committee.

Biden considering deploying troops near Russia amid Ukraine invasion threat
With fears rising that Russia could invade Ukraine, President Biden is considering a major show of force, putting 8,500 troops on heightened alert mostly as part of a NATO response force. The U.S. is now ordering embassy families and civilians to leave Ukraine on commercial flights while they can.


DHS warns of Russian cyberattack on US if it responds to Ukraine invasion
The Department of Homeland Security has warned of a Russian cyberattack against the U.S. if it responds to an invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. considering controlling exports to Russia if there is an invasion of Ukraine
The U.S. is considering depriving Russia of semiconductor technology needed to power industries.

Poll: Trump leads 2024 Republican field with DeSantis in distant second
Former President Trump dominates the field of potential contenders for the 2024 Republican presidential nod, but Florida Gov.

Supreme Court rejects GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy's challenge to House proxy voting
The House's remote voting practices have been used by Republicans and Democrats alike.

Kevin McCarthy, other GOP leaders discuss plans to campaign on limiting Congress members' stock trading
House GOP leaders are privately discussing curtailing lawmakers from trading stocks while in office and are aiming to make it part of their 2022 agenda.

Justices to weigh limits on reach of Clean Water Act
The Supreme Court said Monday it will consider reining in federal regulation of private property under the nation's main anti-water pollution law, the Clean Water Act. The justices agreed to hear a business-backed appeal from Chantell and Michael Sackett, who have wanted to build a home close to...

Trump lawyer ordered to respond to January 6 committee subpoena for his Chapman University emails
A federal judge is forcing a conservative lawyer who had worked for then-President Donald Trump before the January 6 insurrection to respond to a House select committee subpoena of Chapman University for his emails -- setting congressional investigators up to receive access to information...


NATO sends reinforcements to Eastern Europe amid Russia tensions
NATO said it was sending more ships and jets, in what Russia denounced as an escalation of tensions over Ukraine.

Biden rushes to pressure Russia as Ukraine fears intensify
The Biden administration is scrambling to put pressure on Russia amid rising fears of a possible Russian military incursion in Ukraine.
Outrage as Newt Gingrich says Capitol attack investigators could be jailed
Committee member Zoe Lofgren: ‘I think Newt has really lost it’‘Walls closing in’: Trump reels from week of political setbacks Newt Gingrich made his prediction on Fox News, for which he is a contributor. Photograph: TJ Kirkpatrick/Getty Images Newt Gingrich, a former House speaker and candidate...

Supreme Court denies House Republican leader McCarthy's challenge to proxy voting
Proxy voting allows lawmakers to cast votes through colleagues so they don't need to be in the House chamber.


Asian shares decline amid omicron, Fed, Ukraine jitters
Asian shares have fallen following a volatile day on Wall Street

Biden touts 'total unanimity' with European leaders after call on Russia-Ukraine
President Biden said Monday he and European leaders are in agreement following a call to discuss strategy in response to Russia’s military build-up along the Ukrainian border.
High court won't hear pandemic proxy voting dispute
The Supreme Court has rejected a challenge from House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy to the proxy voting system that Democrats put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic. McCarthy had sought a declaration that proxy voting, an absent representative giving authority for someone in...

Biden talks with European leaders as situation at Ukraine-Russia border deteriorates
President Biden is considering sending U.S. troops to Eastern Europe amid the rapidly deteriorating security situation on Ukraine's border with Russia.

Senators huddle on Russia sanctions as tensions escalate
A bipartisan group of senators met via Zoom on Monday to try to figure out a path forward on Russia sanctions legislation amid growing tensions with Moscow.
Republicans Aren’t the Only Ones Diluting Citizens’ Votes
While America’s growing diversity hasn’t delivered Democrats the political success they’d counted on, Republicans are still fighting to diminish the power of the “wrong” voters.
www.thedailybeast.com

Georgia judge approves special grand jury for Trump election interference probe
Before President Joe Biden was certified as the election winner, Donald Trump pressured Georgia's secretary of state to find enough votes to reverse that win.

McConnell is battling Trump for loyalty of Senate GOP
The power struggle is one of the more consequential subplots of the midterm elections, with implications for who controls the Senate — and its Republican members.


Ukraine: US troops on high alert over stand-off
Some 8,500 combat-ready US troops are on high alert to deploy at short notice, the Pentagon says.
www.bbc.com

Analysis: Eric Adams has been mayor of NYC for 24 days. He's already at a crossroads
He's only been in office long enough to collect one paycheck, but New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the charismatic Democrat elected on a promise to reduce violent crime and rejuvenate a city, is already staring down a challenge that strikes at the core of his campaign's promise.
How much the U.S. has spent on aid to Ukraine
Data: ForeignAssistance.gov; Chart: Baidi Wang/AxiosThe United States has committed an increasing amount of foreign assistance to Ukraine over the years — with no other European or Eurasian nation receiving more since 2015, according to data from ForeignAssistance.gov.The big picture: When it...
Ill. Rep. Marie Newman's alleged political bribe is focus of Ethics Committee investigation
The freshman congresswoman from Illinois denies any wrongdoing on an allegation of political bribery that could be a violation of federal law.
www.usatoday.com

Schumer requests Senate briefing on Ukraine amid Russia tensions
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) is requesting the Biden administration brief senators amid escalating tensions with Russia over its military buildup along the Ukrainian border.

Fulton County judges approve special grand jury for district attorney's probe of Trump
A group of judges approved a request from Democrat Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to impanel a special grand jury for a criminal investigation into former President Trump's possible efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

Party on: New revelations heap pressure on UK PM Boris Johnson
Birthday party revelations come the week an official report into parties held during lockdown is to be published.

Merrill Lynch fires advisor James Iannazzo after arrest for TikTok filmed rant, drink toss at smoothie worker
James Iannazzo, a Merrill Lynch financial advisor, said his son went into anaphylactic shock after drinking a smoothie from a Connecticut store.
8 senators revive Russia sanctions push as Ukraine invasion fears mount - POLITICO
The group met virtually on Monday to discuss revisions to Democrats' proposal that might win over 10 GOP senators.
www.politico.com
Newt Gingrich says January 6 investigators 'face real risk of jail' if GOP wins Congress
Former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich warned Sunday of the retribution the GOP could take against Jan. 6 investigators.

Pro-Trump influencer sentenced to three years of probation for his participation in the Capitol riot
A pro-Trump organizer and social media influencer who spoke at a Washington, DC, rally the day before the US Capitol attack was sentenced to three years of probation on Monday.

EXPLAINER: Federal charges against 3 cops in Floyd killing
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Three former officers who were with Derek Chauvin during the arrest that led to George Floyd's killing are on trial on charges they violated the Black man’s civil rights.

Special grand jury ordered in Georgia's Trump election interference probe
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis wrote in her request that her investigators had "information indicating a reasonable probability" that the election "was subject to possible criminal disruptions."
Businesses brace for April tax bill as Build Back Better stalls
With President Biden's Build Back Better legislation on ice, business groups are preparing to change course and use the China competitiveness bill to try to preserve some of their cherished research-and-development tax deductions.Why it matters: By eying the United States Innovation and...

NYC professors sue over forced representation by 'antisemitic' union
A group of New York City professors is suing over being forced to be represented by a union they say is 'antisemitic'

Fox News reporter says Biden called him after 'son of a b----' remark
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy said late Monday that President Biden called him after being caught on a hot mic referring to him as a "stupid son of a birch" hours earlier at an event at the White House.

Biden caught on hot mic calling Fox reporter 'a stupid son of a bitch'
President Joe Biden was heard calling a reporter from the Fox channel a "stupid son of a birch" on a hot microphone following a White House event Monday afternoon.

Trump says the Ukraine-Russia crisis never would've occurred under him, but he withheld military aid from Kyiv and experts say he emboldened Putin
Trump withheld about $400 million in military aid to Ukraine, while pressuring its president to investigate Joe Biden over baseless allegations.

NATO kicks off large naval exercise in Mediterranean amid tensions with Russia
The exercise has been planned since 2020 and will not test scenarios related to Ukraine.


Biscuit World union effort rooted in West Virginia history
ELKVIEW, W.Va. (AP) — While making biscuits and meatloaf at a fast-food restaurant during the coronavirus pandemic, 64-year-old Cynthia Nicholson often thinks back to her husband’s coal mining days in West Virginia.

George Floyd: Three ex-officers face civil rights trial
Federal prosecutors allege the former officers "wilfully deprived" George Floyd of his civil rights.
www.bbc.com
Sarah Palin dined at NYC restaurant two days before testing positive for Covid
Two days before Sarah Palin tested positive for Covid-19, the conservative Republican dined at a New York City restaurant that's a magnet for celebrities, the

Virginia's new Republican AG urges Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade
Virginia’s newly elected Republican attorney general has urged the Supreme Court to overrule Roe v.

Cleveland suburbs offer window into how pandemic policies could shape midterm election
The political fight over pandemic policy is playing out in America's suburbs, where some of the same voters -- namely suburban women -- who propelled Democrats to big wins in the 2018 and 2020 elections are now breaking ranks ahead of this year's midterms.
Kerik told Jan. 6 panel that former Army colonel came up with idea to seize voting machines - POLITICO
Previously, Phil Waldron was best known for circulating a 38-page PowerPoint presentation that urged Trump to declare a state of emergency in the wake of the election.
www.politico.com
Rick Caruso changes registration to Democrat as he weighs a run for L.A. mayor
Rick Caruso says he has changed his registration to Democrat as he considers a run for L.A. mayor. He has donated to George W. Bush and other Republicans, as well as to Democrats.
“Stupid son of a …”: Biden makes plain his opinion of Fox reporter’s question - POLITICO
The president didn’t appear to be speaking directly to Peter Doocy but was bluntly sarcastic after being asked about the political implications of inflation.
www.politico.com

Federal judge denies bail for Russian with close ties to Putin
A Russian businessman with ties to Putin has been denied bail by a federal judge in Boston, who said Vladislav Klyushin had "no incentive" to stay in the U.S.


Canada’s foreign affairs department hit with cyberattack
Canada’s foreign affairs department was hit with a cyberattack last week, according to the Treasury Board of Canada.

7 injured after F-35 jet crashes on aircraft carrier in South China Sea
The pilot of a US F-35 jet ejected as his jet crashed on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier in the South China Sea, injuring seven, the US Pacific Fleet said in a statement Monday.

Biden to go to Pittsburgh as he looks get out of DC more
President Joe Biden is set to travel to Pittsburgh on Friday to spotlight his administration's efforts to strengthen the nation's supply chains and other aspects of his domestic agenda. The White House announced Biden's trip on Monday after the president said last week he would look to get out...

Russia risks 'a new Chechnya' if it invades Ukraine - PM
Boris Johnson warns that Russia invading Ukraine would be "a painful, violent and bloody business."
www.bbc.com
Supreme Court turns away GOP appeal of House rule that permits proxy votes
In McCarthy vs. Pelosi, Republican leader Kevin McCarthy urged the Supreme Court to overrule House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

IRS warns some taxpayers may have received incorrect Child Tax Credit letter
The issue could create tax refund delays for parents if they rely on faulty information to complete their tax returns.

Prosecutor says cops made 'conscious choice' not to protect George Floyd
Opening statements began on Monday in the federal trial of three former Minnesota police officers charged with violating the civil rights of George Floyd.
RFK Jr. remarks on Anne Frank, vaccines draw condemnation - POLITICO
“Those who carelessly invoke Anne Frank, the star badge, and the Nuremberg Trials exploit history and the consequences of hate,” the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum said.
www.politico.com

Pentagon puts 8,500 troops on 'heightened alert' as U.S. weighs military action against Russia
Defense Secretary Austin briefed Biden on U.S. military options for responding to Russia, including moving U.S. troops to countries bordering Ukraine.


Soldiers declare military junta in control in Burkina Faso
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — More than a dozen mutinous soldiers declared Monday on state television that a military junta had seized control of Burkina Faso after detaining the democratically elected president following a day of gunbattles in the capital of the West African country.


At least 6 reported dead in crush at African Cup soccer game
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — At least six people died in a crush outside a stadium hosting a game at Africa's top soccer tournament in Cameroon on Monday, a local government official said, realizing fears over the capacity of the country to stage the continent's biggest sports event.
Georgia to impanel grand jury in probe of Trump bid to overturn 2020 election
(Reuters) -The Georgia prosecutor investigating then-U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in the state will be allowed to seat a special grand jury to subpoena witnesses to testify against him. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis last week sought...
Republicans who voted against Biden's infrastructure bill are touting its projects anyway
Some Republican members of Congress have praised initiatives made possible by the infrastructure law they opposed. Political analysts say they are not likely to be the last.

Biden highlights efforts to fight inflation: 'Competition results in lower prices'
President Joe Biden is set to join the White House Competition Council for its second meeting Monday, the White House told CNN exclusively, providing a progress report on its efforts to promote economic competition and drive prices down as Biden seeks to show his administration is working to get...

Capitol Counsel sets up a practice group for implementing infrastructure bill
Implementing the $1.2 trillion bill “is the number one priority of the Biden Administration in 2022,” firm partner Rob Diamond said in a statement.

Florida state GOP lawmakers advance bill prohibiting schools from 'encouraging' talk of sexual orientation and gender identity in some classrooms
Florida state lawmakers advanced a bill last week that would prohibit some schools from "encouraging" conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms with young students.
'Big shift': Biden moves to rewrite the rules on climate threat - POLITICO
Among other moves, regulators are likely to press banks to prepare for the fallout from a warming planet by stepping up scrutiny of fossil fuel financing.
www.politico.com

Pelosi requests all-member briefing on Ukraine
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has requested an all-member briefing on the evolving situation in Ukraine, her office confirmed to The Hill, amid growing concerns of a Russian military incursion.
New York Democrats will control redistricting after bipartisan panel fails
New York's bipartisan redistricting commission has failed to reach consensus on a new congressional map, ensuring that the state's Democratic lawmakers will redraw district lines in a process that could affect control of the U.S. House of Representatives in November's midterm elections. "We...
Capitol Police examines backgrounds, social media feeds of some who meet with lawmakers - POLITICO
The little-known new practice by the department’s intelligence analysts, instituted since the Jan. 6 attack, is highly controversial given the civil liberties concerns it raises.
www.politico.com

New space telescope reaches final stop million miles out
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The world’s biggest, most powerful space telescope arrived at its observation post 1 million miles from Earth on Monday, a month after it lifted off on a quest to behold the dawn of the universe.

PM birthday event was held in No 10 during lockdown
Downing Street admits staff gathered to wish Boris Johnson well, following a report from ITV News.
www.bbc.com

Black man sues police after being mistaken for white ex-felon
A young Black man was mistaken for a 51-year-old white man who had an active felony out against him. Now he is suing two police departments in Nevada.

President Joe Biden was caught cursing about a Fox News reporter on a hot mic.
The president called the reporter a "stupid son of a [expletive]" as reporters were led out of a room after Biden's remarks on inflation.

Judge mulls release for militia leader facing sedition charges in Jan. 6 attack - POLITICO
A yearlong delay in charging Oath Keepers founder may have hurt the case for keeping him in jail.
www.politico.com
Feds launch website for claiming part 2 of child tax credit
The federal government launched a revamped website Monday — the first day of tax filing season — to help people who were eligible for the expanded child tax credit under last year's pandemic relief bill claim the second half of the payment they were due. The site, ChildTaxCredit.gov, features a...

Supreme Court to consider landmark challenge to Harvard and UNC affirmative action policies
The Supreme Court announced Monday it will reconsider race-based affirmative action in college admissions, a move that could eliminate campus practices that have widely benefitted Black and Hispanic students.
Republican Senate candidate J.D. Vance says 'our country is kind of a joke' in justifying his off-color tweets
"People may not always agree with my rhetoric, but, I think, unfortunately, our country is kind of a joke," the Ohio Republican said.

Graduation rates dip across US as pandemic stalls progress
An analysis shows high school graduation rates dipped in at least 20 states after the first full school year disrupted by the pandemic

The people deciding to ditch their smartphones
The smartphone users who are ditching their handsets to take back more control of their lives.
www.bbc.com

Asian shares decline amid omicron, Fed, Ukraine jitters
TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares skidded Tuesday following a volatile day on Wall Street. Inflation-fighting measures from the Federal Reserve and the possibility of conflict between Russia and Ukraine are overhanging markets.

Evan Rachel Wood details Marilyn Manson accusations in new documentary
Actress Evan Rachel Wood detailed abuse during her relationship with rock musician Marilyn Manson in a new documentary,

Sheldon Silver, NY power broker sent to prison, dead at 77
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, one of the most powerful figures in state government for two decades before his conviction on corruption charges, has died in federal custody.

House Republicans tout infrastructure funding they voted against
House Republicans who voted against the infrastructure bill have been touting funding for their state that came from it.

Democrats face scaled-back agenda after setbacks
Democrats are confronting the reality of a scaled-back agenda as they try to move past high-profile setbacks that dominated the tail end of President Biden’s first year in office.

Democrats make surprising inroads in redistricting fight
NEW YORK (AP) — Democrats braced for disaster when state legislatures began redrawing congressional maps , fearing that Republican dominance of statehouses would tilt power away from them for the next decade.


Trump's team is directing allies to a January 6 legal defense fund
Former President Donald Trump's team has been involved in discussions about a legal defense fund created to support aides targeted by the House panel investigating January 6, sources tell CNN.

US orders 8,500 troops on heightened alert amid Russia worry
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon ordered 8,500 troops on higher alert Monday to potentially deploy to Europe as part of a NATO “response force” amid growing concern that Russia could soon make a military move on Ukraine.


Pro-Trump death threats prompt bills in 3 states to protect election workers
In Vermont, lawmakers are considering bills to make it easier to prosecute people who threaten election officials. In Maine, proposed legislation would stiffen penalties for such intimidation. In Washington, state senators voted this month to make threatening election workers a felony.

Biden presented with options to bolster NATO with U.S. troops amid rising tensions over Ukraine
The number of troops sent to the eastern flank could increase tenfold if Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to a Pentagon official.

Army of millionaires flood Senate map in cash - POLITICO
Staggering sums of money are already being spent — and it’s only January.
www.politico.com

Biden: A good coach knows when to change up the team
The besieged White House staff reportedly bristles at the oft-cited need for a “reset.” Okay, let's say “adapt.”
Trump followers zero in on secretary of state campaigns - POLITICO
New fundraising reports from Arizona show how much energy from Trump-world is flowing into installing new election administrators.
www.politico.com

Arizona Republicans propose major changes to elections after GOP review finds no fraud
A number of provisions in the two dozen bills appear inspired by debunked conspiracies and Trump's false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

Arizona Senate, Which Hired Cyber Ninjas, Now Desperately Seeking Its Election Records
Cyber Ninjas has shut its doors, but court is still demanding hidden public records in "fraudit" over Donald Trump's election loss.

U.S. Capitol riot probe to report any phony elector evidence to Justice Dept-chairman
The U.S. House probe of the deadly assault on the Capitol will share with federal prosecutors any evidence of potential crimes aimed at pushing phony Republican electors in states won by Democratic President Joe Biden, the committee's chairman said on Sunday.

Adam Laxalt runs as '51st Senate seat' to block Biden
Adam Laxalt isn’t overpromising.

Analysis: Crisis in Ukraine a showdown of two world views
NEW YORK (AP) — The crisis in Ukraine is hardly going away — a showdown of two world views that could upend Europe. It carries echoes of the Cold War and resurrects an idea left over from the 1945 Yalta Conference: that the West should respect a Russian sphere of influence in Central and Eastern...


Oath Keepers founder Rhodes to seek release ahead of U.S. sedition trial
U.S. prosecutors on Monday will argue that Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right Oath Keepers, should remain in custody while he awaits trial on seditious conspiracy charges for his alleged role in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

EXPLAINER: Why effort to help Afghanistan is falling short
WASHINGTON (AP) — As winter deepens, a grim situation in Afghanistan is getting worse. Freezing temperatures are compounding misery from the downward spiral that has come with the fall of the U.S.-backed government and the Taliban takeover.

Nick Kristof Has a Real Shot to Be Governor — If He Can Prove He’s No Stranger - POLITICO
The former New York Times columnist is running as a farm-boy son of Yamhill, Oregon — a state that just declared him a non-resident, and a town where the mayor has never met him.
www.politico.com
U.S. rebuffs sanctioning Russia now, wants to preserve deterrence
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday rebuffed calls to immediately impose economic sanctions on Russia, saying that doing so would undercut the West's ability to deter potential Russian aggression against Ukraine. Russia's massing of troops near its border with Ukraine has sparked...

<i>The Megyn Kelly Show</i> blasts schools for culture war and killing free speech
Media personality Megyn Kelly and her guest called out America’s education system for perpetuating the culture war and killing students’ curiosity.

Jan. 6 probe roils Cheney race in Wyoming
As the special House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on the Capitol escalates its inquiry, its actions are reverberating in Rep. Liz Cheney’s (R-Wyo.) knife fight of a House primary over 1,500 miles away.

Biden highlights efforts to fight inflation: 'Competition results in lower prices'
President Joe Biden is set to join the White House Competition Council for its second meeting Monday, the White House told CNN exclusively, providing a progress report on its efforts to promote economic competition and drive prices down as Biden seeks to show his administration is working to get...

Michigan GOP urges voters to 'retire Whitmer' in ad blitz targeting Democratic governor
The Michigan GOP says it's launching its earliest ads ever against an incumbent governor as it starts running spots targeting Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who’s running for reelection in November.

Another violence interrupter killed in Baltimore as community reels from gun violence
Baltimore native DaShawn McGrier, a violence interrupter at Safe Streets, was fatally shot on Wednesday night, becoming the third member to be shot and killed in a year.

US embassy in Ukraine sends home staff's families, cites 'increased threats of Russian military action': Here's what we know
On Sunday evening, the State Department ordered families of staff at the US Embassy in Ukraine to go home. Here's what to know about the situation.
www.usatoday.com

Canadian police seek thief who stole $8,000 guitar by stuffing it in pants
He had the music in him.

White House to hold second Competition Council meet on Monday
The White House is set to hold the second meeting of its Competition Council on Monday, federal agencies said on Sunday.

US threatens sweeping export controls against Russian industries
The U.S. is threatening to use sweeping export controls against key Russian industries if Moscow invades Ukraine, a senior administration official confirmed to The Hill.

Activist sues Gottheimer, Sussex Democrats over Oath Keeper allegations
Bill Hayden, a potential candidate for Sussex County commissioner, said statements by Gottheimer and top members of the Democratic Party are “outrageous and false.”


Taiwan reports new large-scale Chinese air force incursion
China is yet to comment on the incursions, which Taiwan says included 34 fighters and four electronic warfare aircraft.

Taxpayers face overloaded IRS as filing season opens Monday
WASHINGTON (AP) — Count 30-year-old Ethan Miller among that subset of Americans who are actually eager to file their taxes once income tax filing season opens on Monday.


Pentagon puts 8,500 troops on 'heightened alert' as U.S. weighs military action against Russia
Defense Secretary Austin briefed Biden on U.S. military options for responding to Russia, including moving U.S. troops to countries bordering Ukraine.


U.S. weighs sending 5,000 troops to Eastern Europe to counter Russia
Biden is considering sending up to 5,000 troops to Eastern European countries, including Romania and Poland, a U.S. official told NPR. Russia has stationed 100,000 troops near Ukraine.


POLITICO Playbook: Biden confronts major troop decision
And Tom Emmer looks poised for a big year.

Biden's year two won't be about bipartisanship
President Biden made bipartisanship the backbone of his 2020 campaign, but with this year set to be dominated by the midterm elections, he is pivoting away from work with Republicans.

Florida school district cancels professor’s civil rights lecture over critical race theory concerns
It's an example of how the debate over critical race theory has reached public schools in Florida, with the history professor accusing Gov. Ron DeSantis of creating "a climate of fear."


Analysis: Biden cranks up pressure as Putin mulls Ukraine invasion
President Joe Biden is signaling a stiffened Western stance in the showdown with Russia, piling on pressure designed to deter Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine in a strategy that nevertheless risks quickening a dangerous cycle of escalation.

Juan Williams: It's Trump vs. McConnell for the GOP's future
OPINION: The former president and the Senate Minority Leader are in a no-holds-barred fight.

Ukraine: UK withdrawing some embassy staff from Kyiv
About half of the staff working in Kyiv will return to the UK amid fears of a Russian invasion.
www.bbc.com

Taiwan reports new large-scale incursion by Chinese warplanes
Taiwan reported the largest incursion since October by China’s air force in its air defense zone, saying Taiwanese fighters scrambled to warn away 39 aircraft.


Firefighters gaining control of wildfire that closed scenic California highway
Firefighters gained greater control on Sunday of a wildfire that closed northern California’s scenic coastal highway and threatened a famous bridge, officials said.


Democrats turn on each other as Biden agenda stalls: The Note
On this they see eye to eye: President Joe Biden says he's not Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Sanders says he's not Biden.

Assange wins right to take US extradition case to UK’s top court
UK High Court gives WikiLeaks founder permission to take his legal fight against US extradition to the Supreme Court.

Assange wins first stage in effort to appeal US extradition
LONDON (AP) — WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Monday won the first stage of his effort to overturn a U.K. ruling that opened the door for his extradition to U.S. to stand trial on espionage charges.


Biden presented with options to bolster troop levels in Europe as Russian troops mass on Ukraine's borders
President Joe Biden discussed options for bolstering US troop levels in the Baltics and Eastern Europe with his top military officials during a briefing at Camp David on Saturday, according to a senior official.

Second Mexican journalist killed in Tijuana in less than a week
Lourdes Maldonado Lopez was murdered days after Margarito Martinez was found fatally shot in the Mexican border city.

32 things we learned from 2021 NFL divisional playoff round: Best weekend ever?
With all four NFL divisional playoff games going down to the wire, this weekend was perhaps the most scintillating in postseason history.
www.usatoday.com

State Department orders diplomats' families to leave US embassy in Kyiv amid Russia tensions
The State Department has ordered diplomats’ families to depart the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, amid tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

US draws down Ukraine embassy presence as war fears mount
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department on Sunday ordered the families of all American personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine to leave the country amid heightened fears of a Russian invasion. The department told the dependents of staffers at the U.S.


UAE says it has intercepted 2 missiles from Yemen's Houthis
The missile fire further escalates tensions across the Persian Gulf, which previously had seen a series of assaults near Emirati soil.


Mexican journalist murdered in Tijuana, 2nd in a week
A journalist has been killed in the northern Mexico border city of Tijuana

Giant chessboard: Istanbul ship-spotters monitor moves for war
Bosphorus Strait ‘spies’ surveil geopolitical machinations as world powers deploy military assets around the globe.

"Horrific": Six found dead in Milwaukee home and police suspect all were homicides
Police suspect all were homicide victims. One city official called it is "ridiculous." adding, "I'm sorry -- I don't know a better word to say."


Indian women are storming the gates of the investor ‘boys club’
As female founders face a daily bias in raising funds, women investors are stepping up to crack the problem.

Oxford High School reopening nearly 2 months after deadly shooting
The Michigan high school where four students were fatally shot in late November will reopen Monday for the first time since the attack.


Soldiers declare military junta in control in Burkina Faso
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — More than a dozen mutinous soldiers declared Monday on state television that a military junta had seized control of Burkina Faso after detaining the democratically elected president following a day of gunbattles in the capital of the West African country.


4 Japanese planes fly more aid to Tonga after volcanic blast
Four Japanese aircraft have left Australia to deliver more vital aid to Tonga as the Pacific nation deals with the aftermath of a volcanic eruption and tsunami

Lawmaker's claim of anti-Muslim bias is new blow to UK govt
LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday ordered an investigation into a Conservative lawmaker’s claim that she was fired from a government job in part because of her Muslim faith — the latest allegation of wrongdoing that is shaking the Conservative government and Johnson’s...


Tonga eruption equivalent to hundreds of Hiroshimas, NASA says
The scale of the destruction from the January 15 undersea eruption was still unclear since communications with remote islands were knocked out.

Party-hard Dubai ponders new workweek debate: When's brunch?
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Friday will never be the same again. For those with means in Dubai, the former first day of the weekend carried a gluttonous party tradition — an hourslong affair with infinite supply of seafood, pizza, dessert and Veuve Clicquot Champagne set to pulsing music...


Australian Open: Navratilova blasts Peng Shuai T-shirt ban
Australian Open organisers asked a spectator to remove a T-shirt mentioning the Chinese player.
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Houthi missile attacks cast shadow over Club World Cup in the UAE
FIFA says competition to go ahead “as planned” despite Abu Dhabi targeted twice by Houthi missiles in a week.

Auschwitz: Dutch tourist fined over Nazi salute at former death camp
A 29-year-old woman - who says it was a bad joke - is charged with engaging in Nazi propaganda.
www.bbc.com

PG&E's criminal probation to end amid ongoing safety worries
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Pacific Gas & Electric is poised to emerge from five years of criminal probation, despite worries that nation’s largest utility remains too dangerous to trust after years of devastation from wildfires ignited by its outdated equipment and neglectful management.


Nusrat Ghani: PM orders Cabinet Office to investigate 'Muslimness' claim
Tory MP Nusrat Ghani says she was told her faith was given as a reason for her sacking as a minister.
www.bbc.com

A baby was left alone in a room for five days with her deceased mother at a New York shelter, lawsuit claims
A baby was left alone in a room with her deceased mother for five days at a New York homeless shelter and was found in desperate need of food, water and basic needs, according to a lawsuit filed by the infant's father.

Australian admits to abducting Cleo Smith from family tent
An Australian man pleaded guilty on Monday to abducting Cleo Smith, 4, from her family’s camping tent last year.


Transcript: Secretary of State Antony Blinken on "Face the Nation," January 23, 2022
The following is a transcript of an interview with Secretary of State Antony Blinken that aired Sunday, January 23, 2022, on "Face the Nation."

Transcript: Representative Michael McCaul on "Face the Nation," January 23, 2022
The following is a transcript of an interview with Representative Michael McCaul that aired Sunday, January 23, 2022, on "Face the Nation."



Hope seen once the omicron wave increases global immunity
World health officials are offering hope that the ebbing of the omicron wave could give way to a new, more manageable phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, even as they warn of difficult weeks ahead and the possibility of another, more dangerous variant arising.

COVID-19 vaccines do not affect fertility for women or men, study finds
The study looked at more than 2,000 couples in the United States and Canada.

COVID-19 updates: US cases down nearly 25%
As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5.6 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 883,000 Americans.

New York judge strikes down state mask mandate
The judge ruled that Gov. Kathy Hochul overstepped her authority in imposing the requirement.


Cleveland suburbs offer window into how pandemic policies could shape midterm election
The political fight over pandemic policy is playing out in America's suburbs, where some of the same voters -- namely suburban women -- who propelled Democrats to big wins in the 2018 and 2020 elections are now breaking ranks ahead of this year's midterms.
The school mask wars come to northern Virginia
Virginia’s new Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, is taking the debate over mask mandates in schools to the Washington suburbs that are home to much of the capital's power elite.

Biden administration limits use of two monoclonal antibody treatments
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday significantly restricted the use of a pair of monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 because they are ineffective against the omicron variant.

CDC adds 5 more Caribbean island destinations to its highest level of travel risk
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved five Caribbean island destinations into its highest-risk travel category for Covid-19 on Monday.


Free N95 masks arriving at pharmacies and stores around the country
The masks are among the 400 million that are being distributed nationwide to combat the spread of the omicron variant.


Los Angeles charter students sue to stop vaccine mandate, claim school 'segregated' them 'behind barriers'
Parents and students at a Los Angeles charter school have filed a lawsuit to stop a vaccine mandate that allegedly prevented unvaccinated children from attending class.

Seattle hospitals at breaking point amid COVID crush of patients
Seattle doctors say hospitals are reaching their breaking points as they deal with a crush of COVID-19 patients amid the latest surge fueled by the omicron variant.

US pharmacies are rolling out free N95 masks as free Covid-19 tests begin to arrive in the mail
Just as free Covid-19 tests are landing in the mailboxes of people who ordered them, the first free N95 masks for the public have started to arrive at US pharmacies, with more on the way in the coming days.

Momentum builds for new COVID-19 relief for businesses
Momentum is building on Capitol Hill for more coronavirus relief funding to support restaurants and other businesses struggling to stay afloat in the face of the latest wave of the pandemic fueled by the omicron variant.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. invokes Nazi Germany in offensive anti-vaccine speech
At a rally against vaccine mandates in Washington, DC, on Sunday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likened vaccine policies in the US to the actions of a totalitarian state, even suggesting Anne Frank was in a better situation when she was hiding from the Nazis.

Djokovic could play in France under latest vaccine rules
PARIS (AP) — Top-ranked player Novak Djokovic could be allowed to defend his French Open title under the latest COVID-19 rules adopted by the French government, even if he is still not vaccinated when the clay-court Grand Slam starts in May.


What it's like to cruise during Omicron
The cruise industry is once again at sea thanks to the Omicron coronavirus variant, with some ships experiencing outbreaks and disruptions. Here's what it's like on board, according to passengers and crew.


China tests 2M in Beijing, lifts COVID lockdown in Xi’an
BEIJING (AP) — Less than two weeks before the opening of the Winter Olympics, a few dozen COVID-19 cases in Beijing have prompted authorities to test millions of people in the capital and extend that to anyone buying cold medicine.


Canadian truck drivers protest COVID vaccine mandate
Truckers in Canada began a march from Vancouver to Ottawa on Sunday to protest the government's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for truckers.

Transcript: Dr. Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation," January 23, 2022
The following is a transcript of an interview with Dr. Scott Gottlieb that aired Sunday, January 23, 2022, on "Face the Nation."
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