NBC News
WASHINGTON — Congress has voted on a number of noteworthy bills in the last year, including parts of President Joe Biden's economic agenda, the creation of a committee to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and stripping a member of Congress of their committee assignments.
Biden may face midterm reckoning on Supreme Court reform
President Biden has largely managed to avoid the fray of the Supreme Court reform debate in his first year in office by outsourcing the issue to an expert study group. But his time on the side…
thehill.com
January 6 committee ramps up efforts to uncover funding behind Capitol riot | CNN Politics
A new court challenge is revealing how the January 6 House select committee is demanding bank records, providing a new window into its effort to understand what propelled the violence that day.
www.cnn.com
Thousands of Russian troops withdrawing from Ukraine border: report
Thousands of Russian troops are reportedly withdrawing from the Ukrainian border after conducting drills for roughly a month.Reuters reported on Saturday that more than 10,000 Russian troops were l…
thehill.com
Biden calls NORAD and updates children on Santa's progress across the globe | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden made a Christmas Eve call to North American Aerospace Defense Command on Friday at the White House, updating children on Santa’s progress across the globe as part of what NORAD Commander Gen. Glen VanHerck on the call called “DOD’s largest outreach program.”
www.cnn.com
Bidens mark Christmas with holiday calls to service members
President Joe Biden marked his first Christmas in office by making calls to military service members stationed around the world, offering them holiday wishes and gratitude for their service and sacrifice for the nation.
apnews.comDemocrats Say They Are Serious About State Elections. But Are They Too Late?
WASHINGTON — Late on Nov. 8, 2016, the mood inside President Barack Obama’s West Wing turned grim. Hillary Rodham Clinton was coming up short. The realization was growing that Donald Trump would be elected president. Suddenly, David Simas, Obama’s political director, pumped his fist and called...
30 years after USSR fell, there's tension between US and Russia this Christmas | CNN
For once, 30 years ago, Christmas really did herald an era of peace.
www.cnn.com
Alex Jones' wife arrested on domestic violence charge
The wife of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was arrested Christmas Eve on a domestic violence charge that the right-wing provocateur says stems from a “medication imbalance.”
Louisiana doubling welfare aid after 20 years at same rate
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana is doubling cash payments available to poor families through its welfare programs next year, the first increase in more than two decades, according to
Kamala Harris cites not getting ‘out of DC more’ as her ‘biggest failure’ as VP
Since taking office last January, Vice President Kamala Harris has traveled to a half-dozen nations, visited multiple U.S. cities and states and taken repeated trips to her home state of California – including this Christmas weekend.
Russia blocks website of group that tracks political arrests
A Russian organization that tracks political arrests and provides legal aid to detainees says government regulators have blocked its website
Oregon father 'attacked' after saying 'Let's go Brandon' to Biden on Santa tracker call
An Oregon man who trolled President Joe Biden on Christmas Eve by saying "Let's go Brandon" at the end of a NORAD Santa tracker call claimed he was just joking with the commander in chief and is now receiving threatening messages, according to a new report.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Western states need united front against divisive China - Trudeau
Western countries should have a united front against China to prevent the Asian state from using commercial interests to play them against each other, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in an interview aired on Saturday.
Trump spokesman turned over 1,700 pages of documents and testified for 4 hours for Jan. 6 committee, per new court docs
Trump spokesperson Taylor Budowich said that he testified for four hours and shared extensive documents about the financing of rallies on January 6.
21 Masks That Capture the Politics of 2021
When we look back on pictures of major events of the second year of the pandemic, it’s clear that masks have become more than a safety measure. They’re now a powerful messaging tool.
www.politico.com
Democrats like what they saw in Harris-Charlamagne tha God exchange
When Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on Comedy Central’s “Tha God’s Honest Truth” earlier this month, some Democrats were happy to see a glimpse of the former senator who grilled witnesses at…
thehill.com
Save the Children says staff missing after Myanmar massacre
Two members of the international humanitarian group Save the Children are missing after Myanmar government troops rounded up villagers, some believed to be women and children, fatally shot more than 30 and burned the bodies, according to a witness and other reports.
apnews.com
Now in your inbox: Political misinformation
Lawmakers’ statements on social media and cable news are now routinely fact-checked and scrutinized. But email — one of the most powerful communication tools available to politicians, reachin…
www.denverpost.com
Bidens spending Christmas with family at the White House
Instead of celebrating in Delaware, as they usually do, the Bidens are spending this Christmas at the White House, at the request of their grandchildren.
www.cbsnews.com
The liberal base comes for Biden
President Joe Biden is under pressure to address a slew of issues on his docket when he took office nearly a year ago, with liberals clamoring for him to keep campaign promises despite narrow Democratic majorities.
www.washingtonexaminer.comBidens make unannounced visit to Washington DC children’s hospital
US president and first lady’s visit was a surprise for patients and staff and was first visit to the hospital by a sitting president Joe Biden and Jill Biden read to patients at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington DC on Christmas Eve 2021. Photograph: Ron...
The Real Political Heroes of Another Dumpster Fire Year
These are people who stood up to their own side, often at great cost, to help this country stay together.
www.thedailybeast.com
Ukraine president, US lawmakers huddle amid tensions with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with more than 20 lawmakers during a video call on Friday amid tensions between Kyiv and Moscow. In a statement following the meeting, Sen. Rob Por…
thehill.com
India: Hindu event calling for genocide of Muslims sparks outrage
Videos of event in which Hindu religious leaders called for mass killings of Muslims have gone viral.
Democrats compound struggles with Latino voters
In the 2020 presidential race, an election advertisement about Democrats taking Latino voters for granted was the hook for one of former President Donald Trump’s most popular ads.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Puerto Rico’s shattered power grid could become a ‘big experiment’ for Biden
The crumbling electricity network that serves the island's 3 million people is at the center of a debate on renewable energy vs. fossil fuels — with billions of federal dollars at stake.
www.politico.com
Race to fill Leatherman's Senate seat pits political newcomer against SC legislator
The race to fill the Senate seat vacated by the death of Hugh Leatherman pits a state House member against a Florence businessman
Ukraine leader discusses Russia tensions with US lawmakers
The president of Ukraine held a video call with 20 U.S. senators and members of Congress on Friday amid tensions with Russia, which recently stoked fears of a possible invasion by massing troops near Ukraine's border. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with the senators and...
10 Democrats who could run in 2024 if Biden doesn’t
The 2022 midterm elections are less than a year away, but questions are already being raised about what the Democratic ticket will look like in 2024. The White House has repeatedly said that Presid…
thehill.com
Suicide bomber attacks bar in eastern Congo, killing 6
BENI, Congo (AP) — A suicide bomber attacked a restaurant and bar Saturday as patrons gathered on Christmas Day, killing at least six others in an eastern Congolese town where Islamic extremists are known to be active.
apnews.com
Christmas 2021: Where in the United States is having a white Christmas?
Here are the parts of the continental United States that are having a white Christmas.
Russia’s Last Political Freedoms Are on the Way Out
The trial to liquidate Russia’s best-known human rights organization is about much more.
foreignpolicy.com
Volcano that destroyed 3,000 buildings in Spain stops erupting after 3 months
"It’s an emotional relief. And hope,” the director of the Canary Islands' volcanic emergency committee said of the end of the La Palma eruption.
www.nbcnews.com
NASA launches world’s most powerful telescope to view first stars
James Webb Space Telescope seeks out light from the first stars and galaxies, providing a glimpse into cosmic creation.
Flight cancellations in triple digits for second day in US
The U.S. is seeing a large number of flight cancellations on Christmas Day, with numbers swelling to triple digits for the second day in a row.A total of 849 flights within, into or out of the U.S.…
thehill.com
Teenager charged in deadly Texas high school shooting arrested again
A teenager from Arlington, Texas, charged in a deadly high school shooting, was arrested again after a prohibited substance was found in his system, violating the terms of his release, police said.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
NASA launches James Webb telescope into space on Christmas Day
The world's largest and most powerful telescope built to date was designed to help us study the earliest days of the universe and unlock some of its greatest mysteries.
www.nbcnews.com
Austin police shoot man reportedly waving rifle on highway
Police said the man's injuries were not life-threatening and the officer who shot him was put on administrative duty.
Pope hopes ‘peaceful coexistence’ will prevail in Americas
Pope Francis on Saturday said he hopes “peaceful coexistence” will prevail in the Americas during his Christmas message.“Grant that through dialogue, mutual respect and recognition of the rights an…
thehill.com
Schoen: How Trump could make a political comeback in 2024
No U.S. president in modern history has run for another term after being defeated, or even seriously considered doing so. Donald Trump — unsurprisingly — is a different story. Trump remains one of …
www.bostonherald.com
'Long overdue': New Zealand models generational tobacco purchasing ban on a U.S. suburb
In Brookline, Massachusetts, anyone born after Jan. 1, 2000, is barred from buying tobacco products — ever.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump spokesperson sues Jan. 6 committee over financial records
Taylor Budowich is trying to block disclosure of information from J.P. Morgan Chase Bank.
www.politico.com
Save the Children says two staff missing after attack in Myanmar
Charity group says two of its staff are missing and their private vehicle was among several that were found burned.
Gorbachev’s resignation 30 years ago marked the end of USSR
“The collapse of the Soviet Union was one of those occasions in history that are believed to be unthinkable until they become inevitable.”
www.politico.com
Flight cancellations snarl holiday plans for thousands
NEW YORK (AP) — Airlines continued to cancel hundreds of flights Saturday because of staffing issues tied to COVID-19 , disrupting holiday celebrations during one of the busiest travel times of the year.
apnews.com
Christmas 2021: Read Biden, Trump and Obama's Christmas messages to Americans
The three most recent presidents all shared Christmas messages with Americans Saturday.
Biden's push to be next LBJ hindered by public perception he's next Carter
President Joe Biden will seek to relaunch negotiations on his signature Build Back Better social spending program in the new year, but he isn't getting any help from the public's perception of his economic chops.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Miserly Manchin stole Christmas and hope from American families
His role as a Democratic obstacle on spending proposals took priority over his compassion to help struggling Americans make ends meet, including those in his own state.
thehill.com
Cleveland elects its first new mayor in 16 years: These are the top 10 political stories in Northeast Ohio for 2021
Non-profit executive Justin Bibb will become Cleveland's next mayor on January 2, 2022.
www.wkyc.com
‘No need’: Taliban dissolves Afghanistan election commission
Taliban government scraps the panel that supervised polls during the previous Western-backed administration.
16 killed when ship carrying migrants sinks near Greece
At least 16 people died when a boat carrying migrants capsized near the Greek island of Paros, Reuters reported Saturday. Eighty people were believed to be on the ship, which according to…
thehill.com
Thousands line up for ‘jingle jabs’ on Christmas in England
Health Secretary Sajid Javid urged people to “make the booster a part of your Christmas this year.”
www.politico.com
5 Things to Know in Alaska Politics: Polar bears, pollock promotion and coal in the holiday stocking
A national environmental group has announced its intention to file a lawsuit over polar bear protections amid oil drilling activities in the Arctic.
Queen's Christmas message pays tribute to 'beloved' Philip
The Queen remembers her late husband and how his "mischievous, inquiring twinkle" stayed "bright" to the end.
www.bbc.com
'We're failing terribly': Colorado's revered slopes face a major threat
Experts say ski seasons could be permanently shortened in coming decades if large strides aren't made in fighting climate change.
www.nbcnews.com
Hundreds more U.S. flights canceled on Christmas Day due to Omicron spread
United, Delta and other domestic airlines have scrubbed hundreds of flights, although holiday travel remains brisk.
www.cbsnews.com
Does Social Media Foster COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories?
Why are Facebook users more likely to believe in unfounded theories?
Christmas dinner – avoiding religion, politics and now 'science'
Julie Reeder Publisher Christmas is a special time in our culture when we connect as a family and friends. We spread love and good cheer and catch up on each other's lives. We give gifts to each other after the model of Christ's birth and the gift of salvation to everyone. But family has always...
www.villagenews.com
GOP’s Elise Stefanik receives Christmas gift as Dem rival makes Twitter gaffe
A Democrat hoping to win a primary next year and then unseat GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York’s 21st Congressional District drew some mockery Friday when he referred to the state’s voters as "New Yorkians."
The Memo: Nation’s racial reckoning plays out in 2021’s big trials
America’s reckoning with racial justice moved from the streets to the courtroom in 2021, with complicated results.In April, former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George …
thehill.com
Space telescope launched on daring quest to behold 1st stars
The world’s largest and most powerful space telescope rocketed away Saturday on a high-stakes quest to behold light from the first stars and galaxies and scour the universe for hints of life. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope soared from French Guiana on South America’s northeastern coast...
apnews.com
As travel surges, here’s why the airlines have been caught flat-footed
With a reduced number of employees, the airlines limped into the holiday travel season.
thehill.com
The five Senate seats most likely to change parties in 2022
Top Republicans are cautiously optimistic the party is positioned to recapture the Senate after just two years out of power, emphasis on “cautiously.”
www.washingtonexaminer.com
At least six killed in Christmas Day attack on restaurant in Congo
Among the dead were two children, according to Mayor Narcisse Muteba. At least 13 other people were wounded when a suicide bomber attacked the restaurant.
www.nbcnews.com
Iran says committed to political resolution of regional issues
TEHRAN – Iran is committed to dialogue and adoption of political solutions to resolve bilateral and regional problems, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said on Saturday, underlining Tehran’s readiness to hold talks with regional countries to boost ties.
Biden remarks on American resilience in Christmas message
President Biden in a Christmas message to the nation remarked on the “courage” and “resilience” of Americans during a pandemic approaching the end of its second full year.Th…
thehill.com
Idaho leads the country in population growth
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho’s population keeps growing at a faster clip than other states.
Christmas Eve congregants in Kentucky say goodbye to their churches
Tornadoes that hit the region earlier this month decimated the city of Mayfield, destroying the First Christian Church and the First Presbyterian Church.
www.nbcnews.com
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan entertaining GOP efforts to recruit him for 2022 Senate race | CNN Politics
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is engaging with stepped-up Republican efforts to recruit him into next year’s Senate race, CNN has learned.
www.cnn.com
Comedian Frank Caliendo on "The Takeout"
On "The Takeout" podcast this week, comedian Frank Caliendo talks with Major Garrett about how the divisiveness of national politics has changed comedy.
www.cbsnews.com
The new face of France's far-right is reopening the wounds of a century-old scandal
When a museum dedicated to the infamous saga flung open its doors recently on the banks of the River Seine, it seemed to carry an unwelcome resonance.
www.nbcnews.com
Top 10 stories in Illinois government from 2021
2021 was a year of change in Illinois politics and government, whether it was the ushering in of new leadership under the Capitol dome or the passage of consequential legislation
In pictures: World celebrates Christmas
For the second year running, fewer people are attending festive events because of the Covid outbreak.
www.bbc.com
Review: Notable events that defined African politics in 2021 | Africanews
Though it was still a pandemic year, major summits on Africa took place. There were at least 12 presidential elections and the year also saw the resurgence of coups on the continent
www.africanews.com
Queen recalls 'familiar laugh missing' in Christmas speech
LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II in her Christmas Day message shared the pain she felt after the death of her husband as she encouraged people everywhere to celebrate with friends and family, despite the grief caused by the ongoing pandemic.
apnews.com
3 injured in Florida Christmas Eve shooting, including child
Three people suffered gunshot wounds when a suspect driving by opened fire on their residence in Orange County, Florida.
Battles over COVID-19 mandates, how to spend federal funds and redistricting drama: The year in Michigan politics
A battle over mandates, COVID relief funds and redistricting drama: The year in Michigan politics
How to raise kind kids, a booze ban, BTS at U.N.: Our top non-pandemic global stories
Our most popular stories not about the pandemic included: advice on raising helpful kids, boy band BTS's U.N. appearance, why South Africa banned alcohol — and a very scary virus called Nipah.
www.npr.org
How NASA's Webb Telescope works and other facts you need to know
NASA launches into space its biggest, most expensive and most powerful telescope yet: the James Webb Space Telescope.
UK police arrest armed intruder on Windsor Castle grounds
British police have arrested a man armed with a weapon on the grounds of Windsor Castle
Astronomers discover dozens of "rogue planets" roaming the galaxy without a star
It's the largest number of the mysterious cosmic nomads ever discovered.
www.cbsnews.com
Parts of California get a White Christmas after snowfall
Parts of California are getting a White Christmas after all, with snowfall pounding mountains across the state
Washington Football Team safety was driving car involved in fatal crash, officials say
Olivia S. Peters died after Thursday night’s crash in Virginia and safety Deshazor Everett was injured, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
www.nbcnews.com
Alec Baldwin thanks supporters following "Rust" shooting in holiday message: "I'm very grateful"
The actor said "not a day goes by" that he doesn't think about the fatal shooting.
www.cbsnews.comAgencies step up enforcement on highway known for crashes
WICKENBURG, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona authorities are stepping up enforcement on a rural highway known for deadly crashes.
MSNBC columnist calls for end of NORAD Santa tracker 'out of concern for Santa's safety' from US military
An MSNBC columnist is calling for the end of the NORAD Santa tracker claiming that it is time to “decouple” Santa Claus from American military culture.
J.D. Crowe, master of the bluegrass banjo, dies at 84
“We lost one of the greatest banjo players ever to pick up the five early this morning,” tweeted Béla Fleck.
www.nbcnews.com
Two Maryland hospitals declare health care ‘disaster’ amid rising cases
Two Maryland hospitals declared a health care “disaster” on Friday as COVID-19 cases continue to rise at the Old Line State facilities.University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health made the d…
thehill.comAnger over masks mandates, other covid rules, spurs states to curb power of public health officials
At the entrance to the Lowe's in a central Ohio strip mall, a bright blue-and-white sign tells customers that, under local ordinances, they must wear a face covering inside. Next door, at Hale's Ales & Kitchen, a sign asks customers to please be patient with a staff shortage - with no mention of...
Another COVID Christmas brings anxiety, but also optimism
A worldwide surge in COVID-19 infections thanks to the omicron variant is tempering Christmas celebrations. Pope Francis used his Christmas address Saturday to pray for more vaccines to reach poor countries. Many U.S. churches canceled in-person services while others reported small but...
apnews.com
France sees 100,000 daily COVID cases for first time
France’s third straight day of record cases comes amid thousands of flights cancelled worldwide on Christmas weekend.
On Christmas, pope prays for pandemic's end, peace dialogues
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis prayed Saturday for an end to the coronavirus pandemic, using his Christmas Day address to urge health care for all, vaccines for the poor and for dialogue to prevail in resolving the world’s conflicts.
apnews.com
Florida breaks another record for COVID-19 cases
Florida broke its single-day record for new COVID-19 cases on Thursday as the omicron variant continues to drive a surge in infections.The state reported 31,758 cases to the Centers for D…
thehill.com
UK sets new record for Covid cases as Omicron sweeps London
Many industries and transport networks are struggling with staff shortages as sick workers self-isolate.
At West Virginia vaccine clinic, pandemic fatigue sets in
SPENCER, W.Va. (AP) — Chania Batten has as much reason as anybody to feel pandemic fatigue. As a nurse staffing a drive-thru clinic at the only hospital in rural Roane County, West Virginia, she has spent months patiently answering questions, dispelling misinformation and reassuring the...
apnews.com
India to give COVID booster shots to health workers, elders: Modi
Indian leader says healthcare and front-line workers and those above 60 with comorbidities to receive booster vaccine.
Surging Covid cases make for another subdued Christmas Day
In many places, it was a day of overwhelmed hospitals, canceled flights and curbed religious observances.
www.politico.com
Roche says FDA has authorized at-home rapid COVID-19 test
Roche announced Friday that the Food and Drug Administration has granted its at-home COVID-19 test emergency use authorization. The test, which uses a nasal swab sample, can produce …
thehill.com
White House turned down plan in October to boost COVID testing: report
The White House in October turned down a proposal that would have added more than 730 million at-home COVID tests to the market per month, according to a report this week.
COVID-19 live updates: New York sees fourfold increase in pediatric hospitalizations
As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5.3 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 816,000 Americans.
France reports daily record cases as omicron hits Europe hard
France reported more than 100,000 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, setting a new record as the highly contagious omicron variant rips across Europe.Saturday marked the first time the count…
thehill.com
